Resetting Ford Fusion Electric Parking Brake: Diy Guide

how to reset electric brake ford fusion

The Ford Fusion features an electric parking brake that is operated with a switch on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. While the emergency brake usually works correctly, it can malfunction, requiring a reset. If you are uncomfortable resetting the brake yourself, an authorized mechanic can help. To manually release the electronic parking brake, you can try turning the ignition on, pressing and holding the brake pedal, and pushing the switch downward to turn off the red warning lamp. If the warning lamp remains illuminated or flashes, there may be a malfunction, and your vehicle should be checked.

Characteristics Values
Type of brake Electric parking brake
Location of switch Left-hand side of the steering wheel
Action to activate Pull the switch up
Action to deactivate Pull the switch down
Warning indicators Red warning lamp with the word "Brake", yellow drum brake icon with a lightning bolt, blinking BRAKE light, dinging sound
Reset procedure Set ignition to ON, press and hold the accelerator pedal, place EPB switch to RELEASE, set ignition to OFF and then ON within 5 seconds, release the accelerator pedal and EPB switch
Alternative reset method Turn the parking brake from off to neutral to on (all three positions in under 5 seconds, with 1/2 second on neutral)
Mechanic assistance Recommended if uncomfortable with resetting or if resetting does not fix the issue

shunzap

Manually releasing the electric parking brake switch

If your Ford Fusion's electric parking brake is malfunctioning, you may need to manually release the brake switch. This process involves:

Turning the ignition on

Firstly, ensure that the ignition is on.

Pressing and holding the brake pedal

Next, press and hold down the brake pedal.

Pushing the switch downward

While continuing to press the brake pedal, use your other hand to push the parking brake switch downward. The parking brake switch is located on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.

Observing the red warning lamp

Once you've pushed the switch down, the red warning lamp on the dashboard should turn off. If the lamp remains illuminated or starts flashing, this indicates that the system has malfunctioned, and you should have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Using an override switch (if necessary)

In some cases, there may be an override switch in the center console. This can be accessed by fitting a screwdriver into a small hole and using it to put the car into neutral, releasing the brake.

It's important to note that manually releasing the electric parking brake switch is a temporary solution. If you're uncomfortable with performing this procedure or if the issue persists, it's recommended to consult an authorized mechanic for further assistance and long-term solutions.

shunzap

How to stop the dinging sound

The Ford Fusion features an electric parking brake that is operated with a switch on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. In the event of a malfunction, a warning lamp lights up on the dashboard, and a “Park Brake Malfunction" message may appear. If you are uncomfortable resetting the brake on your own, you can ask a mechanic to do it for you.

If you are experiencing a dinging sound related to the parking brake, there are a few steps you can take to stop the sound temporarily. This process will deactivate the EPB system, preventing parking brake application until service has been completed. Here is how to do it:

  • Set the ignition to ON.
  • Press and hold the accelerator pedal.
  • Place the EPB switch to the RELEASE (downward) position.
  • Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and EPB switch.
  • Set the ignition to OFF, then turn it back ON within 5 seconds.
  • Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch.
  • Set the ignition to OFF, then release the accelerator pedal and EPB switch.

Following these steps will deactivate the EPB system and stop the dinging sound until you can get your car serviced. It is important to get your car checked as soon as possible to ensure that your parking brake is functioning correctly and safely.

shunzap

When to seek professional help

While it is possible to reset the electronic parking brake in a Ford Fusion, it is important to know when to seek professional help.

Firstly, if you are uncomfortable or inexperienced when it comes to working on cars, it is best to seek professional assistance. Brakes are a crucial safety feature, and incorrect repairs can lead to accidents. If you are unsure about resetting the brake yourself, an authorized mechanic can help.

Secondly, if your Ford Fusion is stuck in park, there could be a range of issues, and it is recommended to seek professional help. Low battery voltage, for example, can disrupt the functionality of various electrical components, including the shift interlock system. Transmission problems are another potential cause, and these often require the expertise of a qualified mechanic.

Thirdly, if you have tried to reset the brake by following the standard procedure, but the issue persists, consult a mechanic. If a "Park Brake Malfunction" message appears on the dashboard, or the warning lamp remains illuminated or flashes, this indicates a malfunction, and your vehicle should be checked as soon as possible.

Finally, if you have concerns about your Fusion's brake problems being related to a "lemon", seek legal help. An attorney can advise on the lemon laws in your state and help determine if you have inadvertently purchased a vehicle with manufacturing defects.

shunzap

Activating the emergency brake

To activate the emergency brake, simply pull the switch up. Once activated, a red warning lamp with the word "Brake" will illuminate on the dashboard, indicating that the parking brake has been applied. This light will remain on until you manually deactivate the brake by pulling the switch down.

In certain circumstances, such as when your car is parked on a hill or incline, the emergency brake may malfunction. This could result in a “Park Brake Malfunction” message on your dashboard, indicating that the parking brake is not functioning as intended. In such cases, you should respond accordingly and seek professional assistance if needed to prevent any potential accidents.

If you need to manually deactivate the electric parking brake without power, as in the case of a dead battery, there is an override switch in the centre console. This is a small hole that you can fit a screwdriver into, allowing you to put the car into neutral and release the brake.

Additionally, if you need to reset the electronic parking brake due to a malfunction, you can follow these steps:

  • Put your key into the ignition switch and turn it to the "Accessories" position.
  • Step on the brake pedal and shift your car into neutral.
  • Hold the accelerator pedal and parking brake together.
  • Move your key to the "Off" position and then back to the "Accessories" position.
  • Release the parking brake and accelerator pedal.

If you are uncomfortable with performing this reset, you can always consult an authorized mechanic for assistance.

shunzap

Resetting the electric parking brake fault

If you are experiencing a fault with your Ford Fusion's electric parking brake, there are a few things you can try to reset it. Firstly, it is important to note that if you are uncomfortable resetting the electronic parking brake on your own, it is best to consult an authorised mechanic. They can help you reset the parking brake and provide maintenance or repairs as needed.

Now, here are the steps you can try to reset the electric parking brake fault:

  • Switch the ignition on.
  • Press and hold the brake pedal.
  • Push the parking brake switch downward to release it. The red warning lamp should turn off.
  • If the lamp remains illuminated or flashes, indicating a system malfunction, consult a mechanic as soon as possible.

Another method to reset the electric parking brake fault involves the following steps:

  • Set the ignition to ON.
  • Press and hold the accelerator pedal.
  • Place the EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) switch to the RELEASE (downward) position.
  • Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and EPB switch.
  • Set the ignition to OFF, then back to ON within 5 seconds.
  • Keep holding the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch.
  • Set the ignition to OFF again, then release the accelerator pedal and EPB switch.

If you are experiencing a "Park Brake Fault-Service Now" error, along with blinking warning lights and a dinging sound, there are a few additional steps you can try:

  • Disconnect the negative cable/battery for at least 30 seconds. This has been known to clear erroneous errors in some cases.
  • Turn the parking brake from off to neutral to on within a 5-second period, spending approximately half a second in the neutral position.

Remember, if you are unsure about performing any of these steps or if the fault persists, it is always best to consult a qualified mechanic to ensure your vehicle's brakes are in safe working order.

Frequently asked questions

To reset the electric parking brake on your Ford Fusion, follow these steps:

- Set the ignition to ON.

- Press and hold the brake pedal.

- Push the switch downward.

- The red warning lamp will turn off.

If the red warning lamp remains illuminated or flashes, it indicates a malfunction. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

If you see a "Park Brake Malfunction" message, it is recommended to consult an authorized mechanic for further assistance and repairs.

While it is possible to drive with a defective parking brake, it is not advisable as it can be risky and lead to accidents. It is in your best interest to address any brake issues promptly.

In some cases, you may need to manually deactivate the electric parking brake. Here are the steps:

- Switch the ignition on.

- Press and hold the accelerator pedal.

- Place the EPB switch to the RELEASE (downward) position.

- Continue holding the accelerator pedal and EPB.

- Set the ignition to OFF, then back to ON within 5 seconds.

- Release the accelerator pedal and EPB switch.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment