Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) — general information, troubleshooting, deactivation/activation and component replacement Ford F150
Troubleshooting
System fault Service procedure
Red warning light is on, never comes on, or is flashing Low on brake fluid, wiring, connections, faulty brake fluid level sensor, parking brake is on, brake booster vacuum sensor, EPB, IPC, or ABS concerns
Yellow warning light is on or never comes on Faulty parking brake switch, connections, wiring, EPB module concerns
Message center displays parking brake malfunction or Have system checked for codes «Service Parking Brake System Now»
Message center displays Have system checked for codes «Parking Brake Limited Service Required»
Message center displays «Maintenance Mode» System is in the service mode
Rear brakes are dragging Service the rear brake system
Parking brake system does not release or fails to engage Check for codes and have the system checked for network communication concerns
EPB Deactivation procedure
- Turn the ignition to ON.
- Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and EPB switch.
- Turn the ignition to OFF, then within 5 seconds, turn the ignition to ON.
- Turn the ignition OFF and release the EPB switch.
- The EPB is now in the «inactive» or «service mode» and is safe to perform the service work needed.
EPB Activation procedure
- After completing the service work, you’ll need to reactivate the electronic parking brake system.
- Turn the ignition on and hold the accelerator pedal to the floor as you move the EPB switch in the activate position (upwards).
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position without releasing the accelerator pedal or the EPB switch.
- Within 5 seconds turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
- Release the accelerator pedal and EPB
- The EPB is now in «active» mode and is ready for use.
Warning: Dust created by the brake system is harmful to your health. Never blow it out with compressed air and don’t inhale any of it. An approved filtering mask should be worn when working on the brakes. Do not, under any circumstances, use petroleum-based solvents to clean brake parts. Use brake system cleaner only. Warning: Do NOT perform any repairs to the rear braking system on a vehicle equipped with Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) unless you’ve deactivated the system. Follow the procedure outlined in this section.
General information
1. The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system utilizes an actuator mounted on each rear brake caliper. The EPB control module monitors the functions of the actuators for the engagement and release. The control module also stores any trouble codes related to the EPB system. If a malfunction occurs in the EPB system, the controller will turn on the parking brake warning light in the instrument panel.
2. The red brake warning light is for hydraulic issues; the yellow brake warning light is for issues with the EPB system. In some cases, both the red and yellow warning lights can come on informing you of a problem with the EPB system. The yellow parking brake warning light will also come on when the EPB system is in the service mode.
Component replacement EPB actuator
3. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts.
Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheels. Be sure to block the front tires.
4. Deactivate the EPB system by following the steps provided.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the actuator (see illustration).
8.5 Actuator electrical connector
6. Remove the two bolts securing the actuator to the caliper. Discard the bolts and obtain new ones for installation (see illustration). Note: On some models, the left hand caliper brake hose is overlapping the actuator. This routing of the hose prevents removal of the actuator. If so, the hose will need to be removed from the caliper. (This only applies to the left hand side and only on certain production models).
8.6 Actuator mounting bolts
7. Work the actuator off of the caliper by slightly twisting from left to right as you pull it outward.
8. Discard the 0-ring.
9. To install, replace the 0-ring and fasteners.
On the left-hand side (on the models needing the brake line removed) bleed the brake system after installation (see Brake hydraulic system – bleeding). Otherwise, installation is the reverse of removal. Use the Activation procedure to initiate the EPB system.
EPB module
10. Locate the module above the driver’s-side kick panel (see illustration).
8.10 EPB module details
- Depress the safety tab
- Then swing the connector lock open and unplug the connector
- Mounting nuts
11. Disconnect the electrical connector.
12. Unscrew the two nuts and remove the module.
13. Installation is the reverse of removal. To clear the code and restore the EPB system, turn the ignition to ON and apply the parking brake twice within 5 seconds, pausing for a 1/2 second in the neutral position between each movement. Use a scan tool to clear the service code from the EPB module.
14. Perform the EPB activation procedure as described earlier in this Section.
Note: A code may have been stored in the computer memory. Have the codes checked and cleared. Also, have the EPB Configuration routine checked (also known as the Apply and Release test).
EPB control switch
15. Pull back sharply on the top of the driver’s knee bolster and swing it down.
16. Disconnect the electrical connector from the EPB switch (see illustration).
8.16 EPB switch electrical connector
17. Remove the screws securing the EPB switch to the knee bolster (see illustration).
8.17 EPB switch mounting screws
18. Installation is the reverse of removal. Note: Whenever the EPB switch or module has been disconnected, a service code may be stored in the module.
19. To clear the code and restore the EPB system, turn the ignition to ON and apply the parking brake twice within 5 seconds, pausing for a 1/2 second in the neutral position between each movement. Use a scan tool to clear the service code from the EPB module. Note: The service light will not always come on because of the EPB system being disconnected, but a trouble code will be stored in the computer memory.