Subaru Electronic Parking Brake Problems, Disengage, Suck, Reset, & Fix

Last updated on July 31st, 2023 at 09:01 pm

Subaru has had its fair share of issues as a company, and one of such is the Subaru electronic parking brake problems which some are not to be taken lightly. In this article, we will address Subaru’s electronic parking brake problems, the Subaru electronic parking brake warning light, how to fix them, and the Subaru electronic parking brake reset step.

Additionally, we will be talking about why is Subaru electronic parking brake is stuck cod, why the Subaru outback parking brake will not disengage and

Maybe you have heard about the massive Subaru Outback and Legacy recall in Australia, which affects over 40,000 vehicles.

The recall is for the Australian Subaru Outback and Liberty models from 2010 to 2014. The problem is with the electronic brakes.

It’s unclear whether the Outback and Legacy will be recalled in the United States, as both are built at Subaru’s Indiana Automotive facility. Subaru Australia sells Outback SUVs, the Liberty sedan, and a separate wagon. The Australian vehicles, of course, are right-hand drive and come from the Subaru facility in Gunma, Japan.

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This would be the fourth recall issued by the Japanese automaker

XV owners were notified just two weeks ago of starter-motor issues.

Electronic parking brakes, how it works

Electric or electronic parking brakes (EPB) are similar to manual handbrakes in that they operate similarly. The main difference is that they employ electric motors to achieve the same result.

The motors on the car’s rear brakes will force the brake pads into their respective discs if the EPB button on the console is pressed. When you engage the EPB, you will hear the motors whirring.

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Electronic parking brakes operate similarly to manual parking brakes. A cable links the handbrake lever to the brake pads or shoes on the rear discs or drums in the manual version.

The brake pads engage the drums or discs when you pull the lever, preventing the car from moving. You’ll also release the brake pads on the rear wheels’ discs if you let off the lever.

Activating modern vehicles’ parking systems is now almost instantaneous and more efficient thanks to electronic components and electric motors. Furthermore, the parking brake system’s dependability is improved without any mechanical link.

Diagnosing Subaru electronic parking brake problems

First, attach a Select III Subaru scanner to the emergency brake module and pull codes. Code C0252 Actuator Line was retrieved (Abnormal). We followed the code’s test strategy and double-checked all of the fundamentals.

Even if the car’s software was updated, you should check for reflash upgrades. All of the fundamentals were satisfactory. However, according to the code’s annotations, the operator may have excessively pressed and released the emergency brake button.

The motor could overheat and shut down if someone began to press and release the button too quickly. That might have been an unintended consequence of the e-brake becoming jammed in the first place.

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Then look at the data from the moment of failure to see if the brake pedal was depressed. For many systems, the brake pedal switch is critical. Also, make sure the brake pedal switch is working.

We cleared the code and conducted the emergency brake calibration since we couldn’t get the emergency brake to fail. The emergency brake continued to function normally after the calibration.

We instructed the customer to drive the car and bring it back if it happened again because we couldn’t identify a problem. YOu might love to read this:How to Fix Subaru Backup Camera

Common causes of Subaru electronic parking brake problems

You could require brake servicing if your brakes aren’t working as well as they should. This section has listed the six most frequent braking system repairs needed on a contemporary automobile on this page.

The reason for Subaru electronic parking brake light is flashing

When your vehicle exhibits any of these symptoms below could be the problem, I will explain what’s wrong with it and how we can help you get it fixed.

1. Brake Rotors with Warps

Your car’s brake rotors can gradually get out of alignment over time, especially when braking hard. If you’re using the brakes, the brake pads push unevenly on the rotor, causing the brake pads to “wobble” against the rotor. As a result, these vibrations will be transmitted to the cabin, causing shaking in the brake pedal and throughout the cabin when the vehicle is stopping.

2. Brake Pads Grinding

You’re undoubtedly aware that your car’s brake pads will need to be replaced at some point. Most technicians will measure your brake pads whenever you bring your vehicle in for an oil change or other routine maintenance, so they can be changed before they wear out.

3. Brake Caliper Dragging

It’s conceivable for a brake caliper to become caught in the closed position; however, this isn’t very often. This should be obvious immediately since your automobile will likely pull to one side, perform poorly, and consume more petrol than it should.

4. Brake Booster/Master Cylinder Failure

The brake master cylinder and brake booster work together under the hood to make stopping your automobile easier. The hydraulic brake fluid is kept in this compartment. When you push the brake pedal, the brake booster also increases the force applied to your brakes. If one of these components fails or leaks, pressing the brake pedal may become extremely difficult.

5. Brake Fluid that has been tainted

Vehicle brakes are controlled by a hydraulic system that converts the movement of the brake pedal into braking action at the tires. Brake fluid is the driving force behind this mechanism. On the other hand, water vapor might progressively leak into the braking system for a long time.

How to fix a Subaru electronic parking brake problems

Your park brake isn’t designed to be used in an emergency. If you stop the car while it is moving by applying the parking brake, you will end up in a skid because the rear wheels will lock up, and you will lose control.

I haven’t tried it yet, but I doubt the system will apply the parking brake while the vehicle is moving. Next, you’ll need to locate someone with a scan tool capable of communicating with the electronic park brake module to determine what code is stored. After that, it might only require a scan tool calibration.

The system was meant to calibrate with a key on the cycle, but it doesn’t appear to be doing so on yours, so you’ll need to use a scan tool to force an alignment.

What does Subaru electronic parking brake warning light mean?

When you see the brake warning light, it means that one of your Outback’s primary braking components has failed, which is usually indicated by a loss of pressure.

What does EPB warning light mean?

Brake Fluid Leak
Pressure Differential Switch
Check the Brake Lights

You’ll notice a reduction of pressure in the brake pedal. This is because when the brake light only illuminates when you use the brakes, the braking force in the system is likely to be too low. So either the brakes need to be bled, or a leak exists.

2015 Subaru outback electronic parking brake connector

The parking brake, often known as a handbrake or emergency brake (e-brake), is a device used in road vehicles to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. The EPB connector plays a vital role in the overall process.

A parking brake is typically made out of a cable connecting two-wheel brakes and a pulling mechanism. Unfortunately, most cars’ parking brakes only work on the back wheels, which have less traction while stopping.

A hand-operated lever, a straight pull handle near the steering column, or a foot-operated pedal near the other pedals might all be used as the mechanism.

Why Subaru outback parking brake will not disengage

When you can’t get the parking brakes to release, check the following:

The parking brake cable is corroded or rusted.
Return springs that have been damaged or are missing.
The pivot arm for the rear caliper has become stuck.
The piston of a caliper is jammed.

What is Subaru electronic parking brake stuck code

The code for parking malfunction in the Subaru EPB is C0221. An engine part with a manufacturing problem in a circuit board placed in the EPB control unit prompted the recall of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Actuator.

The magnetic ring of the actuator stroke sensor or a capacitor on the circuit board may shatter over time. For example, a brake warning bulb would activate on the dashboard if either component developed a crack.

This might mean the EPB isn’t working correctly. For example, if the gearbox shift lever is not left in the correct position when the vehicle is parked, the sedans and SUVs affected by this problem pose a safety concern. In addition, it’s possible that the EPB won’t activate properly, causing the car to roll.

2016 Subaru outback electronic parking brake service mode location

Location and replacement of the electronic parking brake. All you have to do is follow the steps listed out below.

Set the parking brake to the lowest possible setting.
Follow the display screen on the Subaru Select Monitor to the brake maintenance mode. OPERATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE
Unplug the battery sensor’s ground terminal. NOTE
Remove the brake pad from the rear disc brake. > REMOVAL > REAR BRAKE PAD
Return the piston to its original position – this activates the disc brake.
Apply the brake pad to the rear disc brake. INSTALLATION OF REAR BRAKE PAD
Join the battery sensor to the ground terminal. NOTE
Follow the display screen on the Subaru Select Monitor to leave the brake maintenance mode.
When this procedure is finished, test the parking brake by applying and releasing it five times to confirm it works properly.

Fun fact is:

A mechanism known as a parking pawl is activated whenever you park your cars. This metal pin is inserted into a ring on the gearbox. This pawl prevents the shaft in your gearbox from spinning in the park. Breaking parking pawls might cause your vehicle to roll away.

A parking brake is an extra layer of protection that can keep your car from driving even if the pawl breaks. You should make the most of your parking brake. It will not harm your car and provide you with some peace of mind that it will not roll away.

How to fix a stuck Subaru electronic parking brake stuck

Corrosion is a significant problem with parking brakes. Cables can deteriorate due to moisture and grime. The parking brake may fail, wires may shatter, and brake pads may become stuck to the wheels due to this.

To avoid locked brakes, make sure you apply your emergency brake regularly to check for corrosion. It is also possible for the e-brake to become stuck. Your e-brake may have just frozen in place due to the cold and rainy weather.

Pulling too hard on your emergency brake might also cause it to become stuck. Treat your e-brake lever as if it were a carnival game’s strength test. Even without all the fuss, it works just as well. However, your brakes may become caught against the drum wall if you pull the lever too forcefully.

What can you do about it?

There are various options for releasing a jammed brake. For example, you can try swaying the car back and forth or physically pulling the wires beneath the vehicle if it is safe to do so. You may also try repeatedly setting and releasing the brake in the hopes of releasing the brakes.

If none of these options works, a tow truck may be required. Avoiding a stuck parking brake is the best way to deal with it. Instead, support the system with regular maintenance and frequent parking brake use. It will aid in the prevention of corrosion and alert you if anything in the system needs care.

Subaru electronic parking brake Reset

Whenever the driver removes the key from the ignition switch, the brake may apply automatically, depending on how the driver’s preferences have been configured.

Keynote on Subaru electronic parking brake

When resolving the subaru electronic parking brake problems and you need to reset it; you need to hold the brake switch down (release EPB) when withdrawing the key to overcome this. If the switch is pressed too many times in a short amount of time, the system goes into standby mode for roughly one minute to allow the motor to cool down.

After turning the key, the control module stays “alive” for 20 minutes. It will continue to react to switch requests throughout this period. The control unit will “awaken” from its slumber state when the switch is pressed.

If you request brake release or brake apply when the brake is already engaged, the control unit will ignore your request and flash the parking brake light on the instrument panel. When the switch is released, it will go back to sleep.

I hope this article was helpful reason being that we have talked about what is Subaru electronic parking brake stuck code, show to Diagonising Subaru electronic parking brake problems, the reason for Subaru electronic parking brake light that is flashing, how to fix a stuck, Subaru electronic parking brake stuck, and why Subaru outback parking brake will not disengage.

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