Honda Accord Electric Parking Brake Problem (Explained)

If the “Honda Accord Electric Parking Brake Problem” error message just popped on your dashboard and you don’t know what it means, this guide is for you. Many other Honda Accord owners have also faced this problem and are looking for answers to what it means. This guide will explain everything you need to know about this issue.

Honda Accord electric parking brake problem on your vehicle dash could be alerting you of one of these problems:

• Malfunctioning parking brake switch
• Weak or dead battery
• Failing brake system servo motor
• Wiring problems
• Bad fuse

In this article, we’ll discuss deeper details about each of these potential reasons that could have triggered the error message you’re seeing on your car. Plus, we’ll discuss helpful troubleshooting steps you can take to pinpoint the exact cause and fix it.

What causes the Honda Accord electric parking brake problem?

If your Honda Accord dashboard is displaying the “Honda Accord electric parking brake problem” error, the most likely issues that may have triggered it include:

Malfunctioning parking brake switch

The most common reason your Honda Accord displays an electric parking brake (EPB) problem is due to a bad parking brake switch.

This switch is essentially the electronic part of your parking brake system that enables you to engage/disengage your car’s electric parking brake.

The switch may fail due to dirt accumulation, which prevents the smooth operation of your switch. Spilling water or a drink on this button may also cause the switch to malfunction.

Sometimes the switch may have completely failed. In this case, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

Solution: Inspect your parking brake switch. If it looks dirty, you can easily clean it on your own with the help of a soft cloth or a brush. This cleaning method works if the dirt only exists on the exterior of your switch.

However, if the debris has penetrated the internal components of your switch, then you may need to consult a technician to help with the cleanup process.

If you suspect your switch is faulty, use a multimeter (set to ohms) to test your switch will help you decide whether your switch is working or is getting the power it needs to operate.

To test the switch, first disconnect it from its circuit, and then test it for continuity. If there is no continuity, your switch is probably faulty and you’ll need to get a new replacement for it.

Weak or dead battery

Another reason you could be experiencing parking brake problems is if your Honda Accord battery is weak or dead.

You may want to look for additional signs of a drained or drying battery such as dimming or flickering headlights, the engine being sluggish during start attempts or failing to start at all, the starter turning slowly, etc.

You may also hear a clicking noise when you turn your ignition key on.

Solution: The best way to determine whether your battery is the culprit is by testing its voltage using a multimeter. The multimeter should read around 12.6V if the battery is in good working condition.

However, if the multimeter reading is everything below 12V, then your battery is low on charge and you’ll need to recharge it by jump-starting it with a healthy battery from another car.

If the battery doesn’t hold charge after jump starting, it could be faulty and needs to be replaced.

Failing brake system servomotor

Your Honda Accord electric parking brake system relies on a servo motor to apply and release the parking brake. This motor usually operates on the brake pads and calipers.

If the motor starts failing or becomes stuck, it may affect the proper functionality of the parking brake. The malfunctioning motor may cause your parking brake not to hold your vehicle securely or even fail to release when needed.

Solution: if you have a bad servo motor, the best fix is to replace it with a new one. You should get a professional Honda technician to help you replace the motor if you’re not comfortable doing it on your own.

Wiring problems

Any issues with your electric parking brake system may also trigger the electric parking brake problem to appear on your vehicle screen.

The wires and connectors for your brake system could be dirty or corroded or even worn out. In any of these cases, they’ll disrupt the proper current flow to your electric parking brake and cause it to malfunction.

Solution: You’ll need to visually inspect your EPB-related wiring and connectors for dirt and clean them with a soft cloth.

However, if the wires or connectors are corroded or worn out, the best fix would be to replace them with new ones.

Probably the best way to check whether there are underlying wiring faults is by using a multimeter to test the wiring for continuity.

This will help you accurately detect any issues with the wiring and fix them as necessary.

Bad fuse

If you’re getting an EPB problem error message, the culprit could be something as simple as a blown fuse. The fuse related to the parking brake may blow due to a power surge or when there’s excessive current overload.

In this case, it will prevent your parking brake from functioning properly and the error message will be triggered on your Honda Accord display screen.

Solution: You’ll need to consult your user manual on the exact location of the electric parking brake fuse in your Honda Accord.

Once you get to it, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse doesn’t show any continuity, it’s blown and you should replace it with a new one having the same amperage as the old one.

How to fix Honda Accord electric parking brake problem

How to fix your Honda Accord electric parking brake problem will depend on the cause behind this issue.

Before you attempt any repairs on your vehicle, you will first need to identify the root cause of this error message on your vehicle.

As we have just discussed above, there are different potential causes to consider. The quick troubleshooting tips to follow to identify the root causes are listed below:

• Check the parking brake switch/button. Make sure it has no visible signs of damage or looseness. If it seems unresponsive or fails the continuity test, replace it with a new one.
• Check the battery terminals and connections to ensure they’re providing proper electrical contact. Clean any corrosion present on the terminals. Likewise, secure any loose connections.
• Test the battery voltage with a multimeter. If it’s low and not holding a charge, you’ll need to recharge or replace it with a new one.
• Visually inspect all the wiring and connections related to your EPB for corrosion, damage, or loose connections. Be sure to replace or repair any damaged wiring and connectors.
• Check the parking brake fuse for signs of being burnt or simply test it for continuity. If it’s blown, replace it with a new one with the same amperage.
• Check your servo motor condition. Listen for odd sounds whenever you engage your parking brake. Confirm whether your parking brake engages/disengages smoothly without delays.

Alternatively, have your servo motor inspected by a qualified Honda technician. If it’s faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one.

Some of the above fixes are DIY and you can do them on your own instead of taking your car to a mechanic or Honda dealership. For instance, you can replace the switch on your own.

Note that if you’re unable to diagnose your Honda Accord electric parking brake issue on your own, then you should consult a qualified Honda technician to diagnose and fix the issue for you.

What causes the Honda Accord electric parking brake problem and the car won’t start?

If your Honda Accord won’t start and you’re seeing an electric parking brake problem on your display, this could most likely mean the EPB is stuck.

This could be caused by several potential culprits such as a dead battery, loose wiring, or a dirty brake button.

The issue could also be caused by a problem with the battery that’s low on charge and needs to be charged or replaced.

The battery terminals could also be corroded, thus disrupting proper electric flow to the electric brake system.

When faced with this issue, we advise you to troubleshoot each of these potential causes to help you pinpoint the root cause of the problem. This way, you can fix it to restore the proper functionality of your electric parking brake system.

If you’re unable to find the culprit, have your Accord towed to a trustworthy mechanic who will help diagnose the underlying problem for you.

How do you reset the electric parking brake on a Honda Accord?

Resetting your Honda Accord electric parking brake after fixing the underlying issue will help clear the error message.

For this part, you’d want to consult your owner’s manual on the correct procedure for resetting your vehicle’s electric parking brake system.

The general steps to consider include:

Step 1. Park your Accord on a level surface, turn on the ignition, and depress the brake pedal.

Step 2.  Now press and hold your electric parking brake switch/button until you see the brake warning light starting to flash on your vehicle instrument panel. Continue holding down this button until the flashing stops.

Step 3. Release this switch and press it once more. The electric parking brake should now be reset and the error message should be gone.

If you’re grappling with the Honda Accord electric parking brake problem, you’re not alone in facing vehicle challenges. Similar issues might arise in other Honda models, such as the Honda Civic, and there could also be concerns related to a Honda Civic AC not working or a Honda Civic electric parking brake problem. Our articles on Honda Civic AC not working and Honda Civic electric parking brake problem provide valuable insights into addressing AC and electric parking brake-related issues specific to these vehicles. Understanding the complexities of AC malfunctions or electric parking brake malfunctions can empower you to take the necessary steps for resolution.

Conclusion

If your Honda Accord display screen is showing the electric parking brake problem, you shouldn’t freak out. Instead, you should follow our advice in the above article on what factors could have caused this issue. These include a bad parking brake light switch or button, a failing servo motor, faulty wiring for the electric parking brake, a weak or dead battery, or even a blown fuse.

We advise you to troubleshoot each of these issues until you uncover the exact culprit making your car display the electric parking brake error message. Follow the troubleshooting steps we have discussed in this guide to help you easily discover the culprit and fix it. If you’re unable to find the culprit by yourself, consult a qualified Honda technician for further assistance.