Electronic Parking Brake Description

Vehicles with the electric parking brake have a switch in the center console or on the dash, which takes the place of the manual parking brake system, the foot pedal and release handle. In case of insufficient electrical power, the electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. Electronic Brake Control Module/Brake System Control Module The parking brake function is integrated into the Electronic Brake Control Module/Brake System Control Module. The module contains the logic for applying and releasing the parking brake when commanded by the Park Brake Switch. When the Park Brake Switch is pulled, a signal is sent to the Electronic Brake Control Module which will supply 12 V to the apply control circuits and ground to the release control circuits which will cause the left and right park brake actuators to activate causing the park brakes to engage. When the Park Brake Switch is pressed, a signal is sent to the Electronic Brake Control Module which will supply 12 V to the released control circuits and ground to the apply control circuits which will cause the left and right park brake actuators to activate causing the park brakes to release. In some vehicles, the Park Brake Switch is a push-button style switch. When the switch is pressed, the park brakes are commanded to either apply or release based off of their current position. The Electronic Brake Control Module/Brake System Control Module will diagnose the park brake motor circuits to verify that they are functioning properly. The park brake motor circuits are used to command actuator motor operation, which will apply and release the parking brake. These circuits are used to activate the actuator, which applies or releases pressure on the caliper pistons, ultimately applying and releasing the park brake. The Park Brake Motor Position Sensor is an internal sensor to the park brake actuator, this sensor is used to monitor the park brake motor position. Electric Parking Brake Apply The electric parking brake can be applied any time the vehicle is stopped or in motion. The electric parking brake is applied by momentarily operating the park brake control switch. The red park brake light will momentarily flash while the parking brake is being applied. Once fully applied, the red park brake light will turn on. If the electric parking brake is applied while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle will decelerate as long as the switch is being operated. If the switch is operated until the vehicle comes to a stop, the park brake will remain applied. If the red park brake light is flashing, the electric parking brake is only partially applied or released, or there is a problem with the electric parking brake. A DIC message will display. The vehicle may automatically apply the electric parking brake in some situations when the vehicle is not moving. This is normal, and is done to periodically check the correct operation of the electric parking brake system. Electric Parking Brake Release To release the electric parking brake, turn the ignition switch to the ON or RUN position, apply and hold the brake pedal, and push down momentarily on the park brake control switch. When the electric parking brake is released the red park brake light turns off. Automatic Electric Parking Brake Release The parking brake will automatically release if the vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the parking brake is applied to preserve parking brake lining life.