How to Troubleshoot the Electric Parking Brake System

Control Unit

The vehicle is equipped with the electric parking brake and the system is controlled by the VSA modulator-control unit.

NOTE: For DTCs of the electric parking brake system, please check from the ABS/TCS/VSA menu in the HDS.

System Indicator

This system has two indicators on the gauge control module.

NOTE: For locations of each indicator, refer to gauge control module component location index.

When the system is OK, each indicator comes on for about 2 seconds after turning the vehicle to the ON mode, then it goes off. If the parking brake is applied, the brake system indicator (red) is still ON.

Brake System Indicator (Amber)

	The brake system indicator (amber) comes on when the electric parking brake function is lost.
	The brake system indicator (amber) will also illuminate when the HDS maintenance mode is enabled.

Brake System Indicator (Red)

	The brake system indicator (red) comes on when the electric parking brake is applied.
	The brake system indicator (red) blinks when the electric parking brake function is lost.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)

	The memory can hold 10 DTCs. However, when the same DTC is detected more than once, the more recent DTC is written over the earlier one. Therefore, when the same problem is detected repeatedly, it is memorized as a single DTC.
	The DTCs are indicated in ascending order, not in the order they occurred.
	The DTCs are memorized in an EEPROM in the VSA modulator-control unit. Therefore, the memorized DTCs cannot be erased by disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Do the specified procedures to clear the DTCs.

Self-Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis can be classified into two categories:

?	Initial diagnosis: Done right after turning the vehicle to the ON mode and until the brake system indicator (amber) goes off.

?	Regular diagnosis: Done right after the initial diagnosis until turning the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

When the system detects a problem, the VSA modulator-control unit shifts to fail-safe mode.

Electric Parking Brake Actuator

	The electric parking brake actuator operates when the parking brake applies or releases.
	The parking brake motor can be heard at the rear wheels when the parking brake is applied or released, this is normal.

Electric Parking Brake Forced Cancellation

When the electric parking brake system has malfunction and parking brake cannot be released, you can release parking brake by doing forced cancellation procedure.

Before doing electric parking brake forced cancellation, check for electric parking brake system DTCs with the HDS. If any DTCs are indicated, do the indicated DTC's troubleshooting and repair the cause for DTC first.

If the electric parking brake switch fails, switch operation will be disabled and the manual release is not possible. However, depending on the malfunction, you may be able to release the parking brake by following procedures.

1.	Buckle the driver's seat belt.
2.	Start the engine.
3.	Shift the transmission to D or R position/mode.
4.	Slowly press the accelerator pedal.

Brake Pad Maintenance Mode

When replacing the rear brake pad, it is necessary to enter the maintenance mode with the HDS.

How to Troubleshoot DTCs

The troubleshooting procedures assume that the cause of the problem is still present and the brake system indicator (amber) is still on. Following a troubleshooting procedure for a DTC that has been cleared but does not reset can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Question the customer about the conditions when the problem occurred, and try to reproduce the same conditions for troubleshooting. Find out when the brake system indicator (amber) came on, such as during activation, after activation, when the vehicle was traveling at a certain speed, etc. If necessary, have the customer demonstrate the concern.

2.	When the brake system indicator (amber) does not come on during the test-drive, but troubleshooting is done based on the DTC, check for loose connectors, poor contact of the terminals, etc. in the circuit indicated by the DTC.

3.	After troubleshooting or the repairs are done, clear the DTCs, and test-drive the vehicle under the same conditions that originally set the DTCs. Make sure the brake system indicator (amber) does not come on.

Intermittent Failures

The term ‘‘intermittent failure’’ means a system may have had a failure, but it checks OK now. If you cannot reproduce the condition, check for loose connections and terminals. Also check ground and power connections related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting.

How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)

NOTE: Make sure the 12 volt battery is in good condition and fully charged.

1.	If the system indicator(s) stay on, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC).

2.	Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.	Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle. If it does not, go to the F-CAN circuit troubleshooting.

4.	Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for all systems, troubleshoot the powertrain DTCs first. Then refer to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting, and do the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.

NOTE:

	The HDS can read the DTC, the freeze data, the current data, and other system data.
	For specific operations, refer to the Help menu that came with the HDS.

How to Retrieve DTCs

1.	With the vehicle in the OFF (LOCK) mode, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC).

2.	Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.	Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle. If it does not, go to the F-CAN circuit troubleshooting.

4.	Follow the prompts on the HDS to display the DTC(s) on the screen. After determining the DTC, refer to the DTC troubleshooting. Do the all systems DTC check, and troubleshoot any powertrain DTCs first.

5.	Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

How to Clear DTCs

1.	With the vehicle in the OFF (LOCK) mode, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC).

2.	Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.	Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle. If it does not, go to the F-CAN circuit troubleshooting.

4.	Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS.

5.	Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.