Symptom guide
Electronic parking brake warning? Common causes
An electronic parking brake is a motor on each rear caliper, run by its own module. When it reports a fault, the cause can be as simple as low voltage, or as specific as rear pads that were fitted without the service procedure.
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Narrow it down
What it usually means
It came on after rear brake work
If the system wasn't put into service mode and reset, or the pistons were forced back, the parking brake will complain. Sometimes a proper reset is all it needs. Sometimes the caliper was damaged.
It came on with other warnings after a flat battery
Like the other modules on the car, the parking brake logs faults when the voltage drops. Sort the battery or charging fault first, then clear and recheck.
It won't release, or it grinds as it applies
That usually points to a motor or caliper problem on one side. Don't keep cycling the switch. Let us scan it and tell you which side and which part.
The message comes and goes
An intermittent switch, motor or connection fault. The scan shows which one, and how often it has happened.
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Two cars with the same symptom can have different faults, which is what the scan is for.
Worth knowing
Before you spend money
- Never force the rear pistons back on a car with an electronic parking brake.
- If it's stuck on, don't drive it. A dragging rear brake overheats fast.
- On a slope, leave it in park and chock a wheel while you wait for us.
- A low battery can trigger it. Check whether other warnings came on at the same time.
By make
And every other make. The diagnostic is $125, and it goes toward your repair.
Questions
Asked about this one
Can you fix an electronic parking brake at my house?
We diagnose it at your car. If it's low voltage or a missing reset, it's often sorted on the spot. If a part is needed, you'll get the price first.
Why did it start after my brakes were done somewhere else?
Usually the system wasn't put into service mode, or wasn't reset afterwards. A scan shows whether it needs a reset or whether the caliper was damaged.
Do you do rear brakes on cars with an electronic parking brake?
Yes, every time with service mode and a reset afterwards. More on our brake work.
Other symptoms
More guides
- 01
Many warning lights at once
A dash lit up like a tree usually means low voltage, not five broken systems.
- 02
Brake pad warning light
What the brake pad light means on a German car, and why it can stay on after new pads.
- 03
EPC light or drivetrain malfunction
Reduced power on a VW, Audi or BMW. What the warning means and whether to keep driving.
Still not sure what it is?
That's what the diagnostic is for. $125, and it goes toward your repair if we do the work.
Or call or text (813) 214-5744 · 9am–9pm · 7 days