Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The EPB system applies the parking brake using an electric motor. The system can operate automatically and manually.
The EPB switch indicator light turns on when applying the parking brake and it turns off when releasing the parking brake.
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Indicator light
Do not drive the vehicle with the parking brake applied:
If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake applied, the brake parts may generate heat and the brake system may not operate, leading to an accident.
Before driving the vehicle, release the parking brake and make sure that the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake and make sure that the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
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The parking brake cannot be applied or released while the vehicle battery is dead.
Refer to If a Jump-Starting (Search).
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When the charging system warning light in the instrument cluster turns on, the parking brake cannot be applied after switching the ignition OFF. Before switching the ignition OFF, apply the parking brake manually.
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The sound of the parking brake being applied or released can be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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If the EPB is not used for long periods, an automatic inspection of the system is performed while the vehicle is parked. An operation sound can be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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When applying the parking brake and switching OFF the ignition, an operation sound can be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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The brake pedal may move while applying or releasing the parking brake, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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If there is a problem with the brake system (foot brake) while driving the vehicle, continually pulling up the EPB switch will apply the brakes and decelerate or stop the vehicle. The parking brake on-reminder sound is activated while the brake is applied. In addition, when releasing the switch, the brake is released and the sound stops.
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If the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched OFF or in ACC, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the indicator light in the switch may turn on for 15 seconds.
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When using an automatic car wash which moves the vehicle with the front tires mounted, it is necessary to cancel the parking brake auto operation before the vehicle enters the automatic car wash. For details, refer to Canceling the parking brake automatic operation.
Manual operation
Applying the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly depressed and the EPB switch is pulled up, the parking brake is applied regardless of the ignition position. When the parking brake is applied, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn on.
Releasing the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly depressed and the EPB switch is pressed while the ignition is switched ON or the engine is running, the parking brake is released. When the parking brake is released, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn off.
If the EPB switch is pressed without depressing the brake pedal, a message is displayed on the multi-information display to notify the driver to depress the brake pedal.
Refer to Message Indicated on Multi-information Display (Search).
Auto operation
Applying the parking brake automatically
When the ignition is switched from ON to ACC or OFF, the parking brake will be applied automatically. When the parking brake is applied, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn on.
To release the parking brake when the ignition is switched OFF, it is necessary to cancel the parking brake auto operation. For details, refer to Canceling the parking brake automatic operation.
Releasing the parking brake automatically
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with the parking brake applied and all of the following conditions met, the parking brake is released automatically. When the parking brake is released, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn off.
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The engine is running.
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The driver's door is closed.
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The driver's seat belt is fastened.
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(Manual transmission vehicle)
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The shift lever is in a position other than neutral.
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The clutch pedal is depressed halfway.
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(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in the D, M, or R position.
If something such as the driver's foot contacts the accelerator pedal with the engine running and the parking brake applied, the parking brake might be released automatically. If you do not intend to start driving the vehicle immediately, shift the shift lever to the neutral position for a manual transmission, or shift the selector lever to the P or N position for an automatic transmission.
Canceling the parking brake automatic operation
The parking brake automatic operation can be canceled by doing any of the following after switching the ignition from ON to OFF.
Auto operation cancel method 1
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Switch the ignition ON.
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Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
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Press the EPB switch continuously for 2 seconds or longer (until a sound is activated).
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Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds after the sound was activated.
After the auto operation is canceled, a sound is activated one time, and the EPB switch indicator light switches from illumination to flashing, and then turns off after 3 seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
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Switch the ignition ON.
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Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
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Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed.
When the auto operation is canceled, a sound is activated one time, and the EPB switch indicator light from normal flashing to faster flashing, and then turns off after 3 seconds.
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When canceling the parking brake auto operation and parking the vehicle, shift the shift lever to the 1st gear or the R position for a manual transmission, or shift the selector lever to the P position for an automatic transmission, and then use wheel blocks.
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The auto operation may not cancel if the vehicle is parked on a steep slope.
When the ignition is switched ON, the parking brake auto operation is restored.
