The “service electronic brake system” is a warning message when something is wrong with the brake system. It is majorly associated with a vehicle that makes use of electronic brake systems and safety brake systems. This warning is common in Dodge and Jeep.
Modern vehicles use an electronic brake system that includes the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), braking control and other braking system parts.
Once the EBS fails, it affects the general condition of the brake system and will trigger the “service electronic brake system” warning message.
What is Service Electronic Brake System?
A service electronic brake system is a warning message indicating something is wrong with the Electronic Brake system. Related sensors majorly cause a problem like this. However, there are other causes of the service electronic brake system warning.
An Electronic Brake System (EBS) is a system that controls the brake electronically. Once the brake is applied, the system will determine the action for proper brake management.
In the brake system, there is also the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which works alongside the EBS. The function of the EBD is to determine and apply varied brake force to each wheel.
Why does the wheel need varied brake force? It is determined that not every tire on the vehicle requires the same amount of brake force. By determining the brake force for each tire and applying it, the car braking is better.
The EBS or EBD use a special type of sensor that can determine each wheel’s slip ratio, brake force, and more. The sensor includes the speed sensors, brake force sensor modulator, Yaw sensor, and steering wheel angle sensor.
Once there is a problem with the sensors, it is difficult for the EBS to determine the exact brake management to apply. When this happens, it triggers a warning message.
Also, knowing that the EBS is an extension of the ABS is important. They work alongside each other. The EBS uses the ABS to adjust the brake force in each wheel properly.
Causes of Service Electronic Brake System
When the “service electronic brake system” warning comes up, it is majorly a result of damaged sensors. Sometimes, it could be a failing battery and other electrical components like the wiring, fuse, etc.
Below are some common causes of “service electronic brake system” warning messages.
1. Damaged sensors
The sensor is important to the EBS because the system uses information obtained from them to execute some brake actions. So many sensors are used by the EBS system, including the following.
a. Speed sensors
b. Brake force sensor modulator
c. Yaw sensor
d. Steering wheel angle sensor
If any of these sensors get damaged, the EBS system will be affected. There will be miscalculations in the execution of the brake by the system, causing it to malfunction. It will trigger the “service electronic brake system” warning light.
2. Failing battery
A failing battery means the EBS system will not receive enough current flow. Remember, the EBS is an electrical component and cannot work without electricity.
The battery provides current flow to a majority of the electrical components in the car, including the EBS. Once the battery is bad, the EBS system will fail, and the “service electronic brake system” message will come up.
3. Brake pad is worn out
The brake pad is an important part of the EBS and brake system in general. Braking will be much more difficult once the brake pad wears out completely.
Once the brake pad wears out, the vehicle will experience slower braking, repeatedly hitting the brake pedal before it catches on.
When EBS activates the worn-out brake pads, more brake force will be required, but you will notice less effect on how the affected wheels slow down. The warning message will come up in this case because of the less responsive brakes.
4. Failing Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
The EBCM is responsible for communicating with the Engine Control Unit (ECU). It also monitors and controls every factor or component of the brake system.
Once the EBCM is damaged, the brake safety system will come to a complete stop. It could also affect the normal of the brake system in general.
5. Damaged wiring connection
As we know, the EBS system is an electronic component of the vehicle. It relies on a wire connection to be able to receive current flow. Current flow will slow down or cut off when the wire is corroded, exposed, or broken.
When the EBS does not receive enough current flow, it will slow down its functioning process. In cases of broken wire connection, the EBS will not function.
How to Fix Service Electronic Brake System
A “service electronic brake system” warning can come up due to many factors, so a proper diagnosis is needed. Diagnosis will show you the exact cause of the warning message.
You can have a diagnosis done by physically inspecting the EBS components or using a scan tool. Using a scan is a lot easier and will save time.
Below are ways you fix a “service electronic brake system” warning message.
1. Inspect and fix the damaged sensor
Use the scan tool to get the exact sensor used by the damaged EBS system. Using the scan tool, you can easily run a test on each sensor the vehicle uses.
Once you find the damaged sensor, use the owner’s manual to locate it in the vehicle. Check the sensor and its wire connection for any damages. If there are damages, the sensor is good but dirty if cleaned and installed back into the vehicle.
If there are any obvious damages on the sensor or its wire, have them replaced immediately.
2. Replace the failing battery
Go ahead to check the battery, wires, and terminal. You could clean the battery terminal using a rag and baking soda mixed with water. After doing this, if you still experience a battery problem, then it could be a completely damaged battery.
If the battery is damaged it cannot be fixed, go ahead to replace the battery immediately.
3. Change the worn-out brake pad
You can easily know if the brake pad is down to its last wear. Pay attention to the sound from the wheel anytime you hit the brake. You may have a worn-out brake pad if you hear a screeching sound from one or more of the wheels.
Take out the brake pad and inspect it, if the friction material. If there is no friction on the brake pad or it is on its last wear, replace the brake pad.
4. Replace damaged Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
The EBCM controls the EBS and other parts of the safety braking system. The module could encounter issues of its own. It could be a simple malfunction that may require a reset. You can do this by disconnecting the battery for a while.
If the module is damaged, then it needs to be replaced. A professional should do this in case the need for reprogramming may arise.
5. Replace damaged wires
Use the owner’s manual to get the complete diagram of the wiring connection of the vehicle. Once you have done this, find the wire associated with the EBS system.
Inspect the wires for corrosion, disconnection, and other damages. If found, you should have the wire replaced.
Final Thoughts
The brake system could be complicated, especially if you have a new car model. When you have issues with the brake system, you should have an expert look at it. The expert will be able to have a proper diagnosis of the system and also have the issue properly fixed.
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