Brake Service with Electric Parking Brake

[JWC86]

Please forgive my ignorance.
I've yet do work on anything with electric parking brakes.
My FIL has requested I do a brake fluid flush on his wifes 2020 Buick Encore. I figured it would be a good time to service the caliper slide pins as I'm sure it has never been done.

Only 8,000 miles on the car but its 5 years old.

I've done a little research on the matter and it appears I might be able to put the parking brake in "service mode" which I assume will release the rear brake?

Is it as simple as that? Anything to keep in mind?

Anyone happen to be familiar with that particular system on a 2020 Buick Encore?

 

[JWC86]

Ok so I should have done some more research before posting.

I found these videos quickly.



Sorry for the dumb thread but maybe someone will find it useful.

 

[CarLuver]

you are lucky. many cars with epb don't have a service mode and need a scanner or other work around

 

[JWC86]

you are lucky. many cars with epb don't have a service mode and need a scanner or other work around

That's actually what I was expecting.

 

[bdcardinal]

you are lucky. many cars with epb don't have a service mode and need a scanner or other work around

I did front and rear pads and rotors on my Mom's 2014 Fusion a few weeks ago. Was able to put it in service mode with a button dance. Best part on that application is you can just push the rear pistons back in and don't need to turn them in.

 

[HemiBenny]

you are lucky. many cars with epb don't have a service mode and need a scanner or other work around

That's what I like about the Chrysler in my signature, it's in the settings on the touchscreen, no button dance or Scantool.
The Mazda will be a button dance when it has to be done, hopefully a long time from now.

 

[Timmastertech]

Just to remove the calipers there is no need to enter service mode on that vehicle. Just release the park brake with the park brake switch and you can unbolt and remove the caliper. Only reason you would need to enter service mode is to wind back the caliper to replace pads.

 

[Dborch41]

Just to remove the calipers there is no need to enter service mode on that vehicle. Just release the park brake with the park brake switch and you can unbolt and remove the caliper. Only reason you would need to enter service mode is to wind back the caliper to replace pads.

Beat me to it, this is the answer you're looking for.

 

[JWC86]

Just to remove the calipers there is no need to enter service mode on that vehicle. Just release the park brake with the park brake switch and you can unbolt and remove the caliper. Only reason you would need to enter service mode is to wind back the caliper to replace pads.

So just key on and release brake?
If the key on “times out” or something it won’t apply while I’m working on it or something silly?

 

[Timmastertech]

So just key on and release brake?
If the key on “times out” or something it won’t apply while I’m working on it or something silly?

If you are worried about it reapplying then unplug the motor connector on the caliper

 

[Dborch41]

If I remember correctly, it's a good idea to disconnect the negative battery cable before messing with the brakes, especially on modern GM vehicles. It's something about the wear detectors getting all cattywampus and throwing a code.

 

[JWC86]

If you are worried about it reapplying then unplug the motor connector on the caliper

Good call, thanks.

 

[nthach]

you are lucky. many cars with epb don't have a service mode and need a scanner or other work around

Toyotas also have a service mode for the EPB. Haven’t tried it out, I have a scan tool that can do the service mode.

I was at AZ getting pads, someone walked in with a rear caliper for a Mercedes. That person supposedly though he put the car in brake service mode, started to wind the calipers back but he opened the driver’s door or turned the car on and the EPB motors wound up. Caliper piston popped out. Oops.

 

[supton]

Toyotas also have a service mode for the EPB. Haven’t tried it out, I have a scan tool that can do the service mode.

I was at AZ getting pads, someone walked in with a rear caliper for a Mercedes. That person supposedly though he put the car in brake service mode, started to wind the calipers back but he opened the driver’s door or turned the car on and the EPB motors wound up. Caliper piston popped out. Oops.

I had something similar happen to me. Do not recall now. But I gave up on the service procedure and now pop off the connection and just use a 12V battery to wind in or out.

 

[JWC86]

If you are worried about it reapplying then unplug the motor connector on the caliper

Any chance this might trigger a CEL?

 

[Timmastertech]

Any chance this might trigger a CEL?

Absolutely not as far as a check engine light. As long as the key is not cycled with the motor unplugged it should not set any faults

 

[JWC86]

Absolutely not as far as a check engine light. As long as the key is not cycled with the motor unplugged it should not set any faults

My concern is if I key off, the parking brake will apply automatically? Is that not the case?

 

[Timmastertech]

My concern is if I key off, the parking brake will apply automatically? Is that not the case?

The service manual does not indicate that the parking brake applies automatically. Most vehicles that apply automatically do so when the vehicle is put into park and if you release the parking brake with the switch after putting the vehicle in park it stays released until the next time the lever is moved.

We remove calipers on vehicles with electric parking brakes on an almost daily basis to inspect lining for state inspection. The only vehicle I have ever had to do something extra to release the parking brake is a tesla that has to be put into tow truck mode.

 

[JWC86]

The service manual does not indicate that the parking brake applies automatically. Most vehicles that apply automatically do so when the vehicle is put into park and if you release the parking brake with the switch after putting the vehicle in park it stays released until the next time the lever is moved.

We remove calipers on vehicles with electric parking brakes on an almost daily basis to inspect lining for state inspection. The only vehicle I have ever had to do something extra to release the parking brake is a tesla that has to be put into tow truck mode.

Thank you sir. That clears it up.

If it was my car I would just fly into it without much thought but working on other people cars and not having the correct scan tool read/clear codes makes me think things through more.

Thanks again!

 

[nthach]

My concern is if I key off, the parking brake will apply automatically? Is that not the case?

Depends on the car. Many do automatically apply it - look for an AUTO button next to the EPB trigger or it can be an option that can be turned on/off with a scan tool. A friend’s 2021 Forester Premium doesn’t. My parent’s 2019 RXh/2025 Camry both do. But, the EPB system isn’t constantly monitoring if the brake is applied with the car off. You can unplug it but be mindful not to turn the car on with the calipers disconnected electrically.