Principles of Operation

Principles of Operation

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
The electronic parking brake (EPB) replaces the function of the conventional hand brake lever system. The EPB has 2 functions. Its primary function is to hold the vehicle up to a 30% grade. The secondary function is to be able to decelerate the vehicle by using the EPB as an emergency brake.

The EPB system:
^ has a switch located in the front console behind the gear selector. The switch is hard wired to the EPB module. It includes a yellow fault warning lamp.
^ has a control module that communicates with the other vehicle modules through the standard corporate protocol (SCP) network.
^ uses an electric motor and gearbox assembly to apply and release tension on a conventional parking brake cable system.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Operation
Pull the parking brake switch upward to engage the parking brake. Release the switch, and it will return to the neutral position. To release the parking brake, make sure the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, press the brake pedal, then push the parking brake switch down. The instrument cluster BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated until the parking brake is released.

The EPB will automatically release when the gearshift lever is moved from PARK with the ignition switch in the ON position. The EPB will also disengage if a gear is selected and the accelerator pedal is pressed. The EPB will not release when the release switch is activated. if the battery is disconnected, the EPB system must be reset; the vehicle message center will display APPLY PARK BRAKE or APPLY ((P)).