Whenever you notice the “parking brake service required” warning message, understand that it concerns the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system.
Most modern Mitsubishi vehicles use the EPB system as it is more convenient and reduces the stress on the driver.
However, like many electrical components, the EPB system encounters its problem. The major issue with the EBP is usually electrical or a damaged internal part.
What is Mitsubishi Parking Brake Service Required?
When a “parking brake service required” warning message comes up, something is wrong with the vehicle’s Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). The most common cause of this warning is an electrical problem or issues with the electric motor.
The EPB system works with a switch, motor, and brake system. Instead of the usual hand brake lever, you have a switch. Whenever the parking brake is needed, a simple button is pushed.
Once the button is pushed, a signal is sent to the motor via the EPB system. The motor then pulls on a cable that squeezes the brake pads onto the disk. It restricts the movement of the wheels.
Another great feature of the EPB system is that the brakes will automatically be applied once the vehicle’s engine is switched off or the transmission is shifted to park.
The EPB system makes use of many components, which include the following.
1. Control switch
The switch control will provide signals to the car’s body control unit, which will be used to control the brake system.
2. Electric motor
The electric motor receives a signal from the system and then applies the brake shoes in the brake system.
3. Control button
It is used to activate the electrical brake system.
4. Brake pads
These can be found in the brake caliper and hold the wheels in place, stopping them from moving whenever the brake is applied.m
5. Force sensor
This sensor measures the clamping force, which is needed by the actuator. The actuator uses the feedback from the sensor to determine how much force is required to hold the vehicle.
There are still other parts, like the actuator, caliper, and ECU, which are paramount to the EPB system. When these components get damaged, the EPB system cannot function.
Once the EPB does not function properly or stops functioning, the warning message “parking brake service required” will come up.
What are the causes of the Mitsubishi Parking Brake Service Required?
Below are the causes of the “park brake service required” warning message.
1. Failing force sensor
The force sensor feeds the system, which measures the clamping force. This measurement is what the actuator uses to determine what force is needed to hold the brakes.
Once the sensor is damaged, no measurement is made, the system receives no measurement, and the actuator remains dormant. When this happens, the EPB system will not function properly, triggering the warning message.
2. Damaged electric motor
The system uses the electric motor to control or apply the brakes once the EPB is activated. Many factors could affect the electric motors, and they are majorly electrical, like wiring issues, blown fuse, etc.
When the electric motor is damaged, the brake will not be activated once the driver pushes the control button. It is a dangerous situation because the driver may think the parking brake is activated while it is not. However, the “park brake service required” will signify something is wrong.
3. Damaged control switch
The brake switch is what the driver uses to activate the EPB system. It provides signals to the ECU telling the system to activate the brakes, making it easier for the driver.
Once the switch is damaged, there is no way the driver can activate the EPB system.
4. Worn-out brake pad
A brake pad is one of the most essential parts of the EPB system. The part of the brake holds the brake in place, stopping it from moving.
When the brake pad is worn out, the wheel will not be held firmly in place, creating room for it to move. Thanks to sensors, the system is about to detect this, and the “park brake service required” is coming up.
5. System issues
Sometimes the EPB system does not function as it should; this could result from a simple malfunction in the system. In more severe cases, the EPB module could be broken and needs to be changed.
6. Damaged brake internal component
The brake system is made from different parts, which include the calipers, brake line, actuator, rotors, master cylinder, etc. When these internal components get damaged, the EPB system is also affected.
How to Fix Mitsubishi Parking Brake Service Required
The starting point of fixing a “park brake service required” is a proper diagnosis. As we know, many factors could trigger the warning to have a precise fix.
Below are ways to fix a “park brake service required” issue.
1. Check and replace the force sensor
Use an OBD-II scan tool to test the sensor; the test result should be available or unavailable. If the result is unavailable, there is an issue with the sensor.
Use the owner’s manual to locate the sensor and inspect the wires and sensor. If the cables are damaged, then you need to replace the wires. Also, check the sensor for any damages; if damaged, get the sensor replaced.
2. Replace the damaged electric motor
First, you must ensure the EPB issue comes from the electric motor. You can do this using a scan tool. Also, determine which motor is damaged before going ahead to remove the motor.
The electric motor is located on the rear side of each caliper. You will have to lift the motor to be able to get to the motor.
Once you get to the motor, take it out and replace it with a new one. It is always better to remove the motor and then find the exact type of electric motor as the old one.
3. Fixed damaged control switch
To fix the control switch, you may need some electrical knowledge; first, you need to properly understand what could be the cause of ye switch failing. It could be a wiring issue, a burnt fuse, a damaged circuit, etc.
Once the cause is identified correctly, fix or make appropriate repairs. If you find it difficult, an expert can take over the fix.
4. Replace the worn-out pad
Determine which of the wheels has a worn-out brake pad. You can find this out by listening to where the weird sound comes from whenever the brake pedal is depressed when driving.
Lift the vehicle and then take out the wheel to locate the brake caliper. Go ahead to replace the brake pad with a new one.
If you can afford to replace all the brake pads of your vehicle’s wheels and check for alignment issues, please do that.
5. Fix the system issue
If the system issue is a simple malfunction, you can fix the problem by resetting the system. You can do this using a scan tool or unplug the battery to drain the module of all current. It will automatically wipe the module memory.
However, you may need professional assistance if it is a more severe issue, like a damaged sensor.
6. Fix brake internal damages
Depending on the internal part of the brake, professional assistance might also be needed to diagnose and fix the issue.
Final Thoughts
The brake system can be very complicated due to its numerous components. It is why it is commonly recommended that when you encounter issues with the EPB system, you have it checked by a professional. The expert will be able to have a better diagnosis done on the EPB system and also correctly fix the problem.
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