If you own a car with an electronic parking brake, you may have encountered a situation where the battery dies and you are unable to release the parking brake.
This can be a frustrating experience, but there are ways to release the brake manually without causing any damage to your car.
Before we discuss how to release electronic parking brake with dead battery, it is important to understand how this system works.
An electronic parking brake is a mechanism that engages the rear brakes of a car when the driver activates the parking brake.
Unlike a traditional parking brake that is engaged with a lever or foot pedal, an electronic parking brake is operated by a button or switch.
Step-by-Step Guide How to Release Electronic Parking Brake with Dead Battery
Now that we have a basic understanding of how electronic parking brakes work, let’s look at the steps you can take to release the brake when the battery is dead.
Step 1: Locate the Manual Override
If your car’s battery is dead and you cannot release the electronic parking brake, the first step is to locate the manual override.
The location of the manual override can vary depending on the make and model of your car, but it is typically located near the gear shift or the electronic parking brake button.
Refer to your car’s owner’s manual to determine the exact location of the manual override. If you are unable to locate it, contact your car manufacturer’s customer service for assistance.
It is important to not attempt to force the brake to release without using the manual override, as this can cause damage to the brake system.
Step 2: Remove the Cover
Once you have located the manual override, the next step is to remove the cover.
The cover may be a small cap or a larger panel, depending on the car’s make and model. Use a flathead screwdriver or another appropriate tool to remove the cover.
Be careful not to damage the cover or the surrounding area when removing it. If the cover is difficult to remove, refer to your car’s owner manual for instructions or contact your car manufacturer’s customer service for assistance.
Step 3: Insert Tool and Turn
After removing the cover, you should see a small hole or slot where you can insert the manual override tool. The tool may be a special key or a hex wrench, depending on your car’s make and model.
Insert the tool into the hole or slot and turn it in the direction specified in your car’s owner’s manual.
This will release the electronic parking brake and allow you to move the car.
Be careful not to apply too much force when turning the tool, as this can damage the manual override mechanism or the electronic parking brake system.
If the tool does not turn easily, refer to your car’s owner manual for instructions or contact your car manufacturer’s customer service for assistance.
Step 4: Replace Cover
After successfully releasing the electronic parking brake using the manual override, the final step is to replace the cover.
Carefully place the cover back into its original position and secure it in place using the appropriate method, whether it be snapping it back in or screwing it on.
Make sure the cover is properly aligned and seated to avoid any rattling or shifting while driving.
It is important to have your car’s battery and charging system checked as soon as possible to prevent future issues with the electronic parking brake.
Additionally, if you find yourself frequently needing to use the manual override due to battery issues, consider replacing your car’s battery with a new one or investing in a battery charger to maintain the battery’s health.
Read also: How to Disable Electronic Parking Brake
Precautions Before Trying to Release the Brake Manually
Before attempting to release the electronic parking brake manually, it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid any damage to your car.
Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Make sure the car is in a safe location: Before attempting to release the parking brake manually, make sure your car is in a safe location such as a flat surface or a parking lot.
- Use appropriate tools: To manually release the parking brake, you may need a set of pliers or a wrench, depending on the make and model of your car. Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand before attempting to release the brake.
- Disconnect the negative cable from the battery: Before attempting to manually release the parking brake, disconnect the negative cable from the battery to avoid any electrical shocks or damage to the car’s electrical system.
- Consult the owner’s manual: Different car models may have different methods for manually releasing the electronic parking brake. Consult your car’s owner’s manual to ensure you are using the correct method for your car.
- Seek professional help: If you are unsure about how to release the electronic parking brake manually or if you encounter any issues while attempting to do so, it is best to seek professional help from a trained mechanic.
By following these precautions, you can safely release the electronic parking brake with a dead battery and avoid any damage to your car.
While knowing how to release an electronic parking brake with a dead battery is important, it’s always better to prevent a dead battery in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent a dead battery.
How do you prevent a dead battery?
While knowing how to release an electronic parking brake with a dead battery is important, it’s always better to prevent a dead battery in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent a dead battery:
1. Drive Regularly
In order to avoid the issue of a dead battery in the first place, it is important to drive your car regularly.
Regular driving helps keep the battery charged and prevents it from losing power due to lack of use.
If you are not able to drive your car regularly, consider investing in a battery tender or trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge.
These devices are designed to keep the battery charged and prevent it from losing power over extended periods of time.
Additionally, turning off all unnecessary electrical components such as the radio, lights, and air conditioning when parking your car can also help preserve the battery’s charge.
2. Turn Off Electrical Components
When you park your car for an extended period of time, it is important to turn off all unnecessary electrical components to help preserve the battery’s charge.
This includes turning off the radio, lights, air conditioning, and any other electrical accessories.
Leaving these components on while the car is parked can cause the battery to drain faster, especially if the car is not being driven regularly.
To further conserve the battery’s power, consider disconnecting any aftermarket electronics that are not essential to the car’s operation.
This can include items such as GPS devices, phone chargers, and dash cams.
3. Check Battery Health
Regularly checking your car’s battery health is an important part of maintaining the battery’s performance and preventing issues with the electronic parking brake.
You can check your battery’s health by using a battery tester or multimeter. These tools measure the battery’s voltage and can indicate if the battery is fully charged, partially charged, or needs to be replaced.
It is recommended to have your battery’s health checked at least once a year, especially if you have an older car or live in an area with extreme temperatures.
If the battery is found to be weak or defective, it should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any issues with the electronic parking brake or other electrical systems in the car.
Read also: How to Fix EPB Malfunction Toyota CHR
FAQs
Can I drive my car with the electronic parking brake engaged?
No, you should never drive your car with the electronic parking brake engaged as it can cause damage to the brake system and the rear brakes.
Can I recharge my car’s battery using the alternator to release the electronic parking brake?
No, the alternator alone is not enough to provide the power needed to release the electronic parking brake. You need to use a battery booster pack or jumper cables.
Is it safe to disconnect the negative cable from the battery?
Yes, disconnecting the negative cable from the battery is safe as long as you follow the proper procedures and take the necessary precautions.
How often should I check the condition of the brake pads and rotors?
You should check the condition of the brake pads and rotors at least once a year, or more frequently if you notice any issues with the braking system.
Can I manually release the electronic parking brake while driving?
No, you should never attempt to release the electronic parking brake manually while driving as it can cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Conclusion
Knowing how to release electronic parking brake with dead battery can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Remember to locate the manual override, remove the cover, insert the tool, and turn it in the direction indicated in your car’s owner manual.
But, it’s always better to prevent a dead battery in the first place by driving regularly, turning off electrical components, and checking battery health.
