Ford Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode Tutorial

How to Activate The Ford Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode

Starting in 2013, Ford started using an electronic parking brake (EPB). This system eliminates the troublesome parking brake cables that have caused problems for decades. Operating the EPB powers an electric motor that applies the parking brake. The system monitors brake pad wear, so it must  Ideally, you should do this with a bidirectional scan tool. However, you can activate the Ford parking brake service mode manually by following the step-by-step procedure listed below.

Understanding Ford’s Terminology — Active versus Deactivate Service Mode

Ford’s terminology seems a bit backward because they want you to activate the service mode when what you’re really doing is deactivating the electronic parking brake (EPB) mechanism. Once the EPB is deactivated, you can compress the caliper piston back into the bore without turning, as you did in the non-EPB versions.

Steps to activate the Ford electronic parking brake service mode

1. Set the ignition to ON.
2. Press and hold the accelerator pedal and place the EPB switch to the RELEASE (downward) position.  Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and EPB.
3. Set the ignition to OFF, then set the ignition to ON within 5 seconds. Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch.
4. The EPB system will be deactivated, preventing parking brake application until service has been completed and maintenance mode has been deactivated. The yellow electronic parking brake indicator will be illuminated and maintenance mode will display on the message center.
5. Set the ignition to OFF, then release the accelerator pedal and EPB switch

Deactivate the Ford electronic parking brake service mode and return the EPB to normal operation

1. Set the ignition to ON.
2. Press and hold the accelerator pedal and place the EPB switch in the APPLY (upward) position. Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch.
3. Set the ignition to OFF, then set the ignition to ON within 5 seconds. Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch.
4. Release the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch.

Once you complete this step the motor will apply and release the EPB and return it to the proper air gap.

How the Ford Electronic Parking Brake Works

Components of the EPB System

EPB Switch: Located on the center console or dashboard, it replaces the traditional handbrake lever.
Actuators: Electronic actuators attached to the rear brake calipers.
Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The brain of the EPB system, which controls the actuators based on signals from the EPB switch and other sensors.
EPB Motor and Gearbox: The electric motor and gearbox are bolted to the rear brake caliper and connected to the splined parking brake screw
Rear brake caliper: The rear brake caliper contains a splined screw shaft that pushes the caliper piston forward to clamp the brake pads against the rotor when the driver activates the electronic parking brake

The components of the Ford Electronic Parking Brake. Notice the splined shaft sticking out of the back of the caliper bore. This is where the motor gearbox attaches to turn the screw

©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat