Honda Civic Brake System Problem Message

The electronic parking brake (EPB) technology of the Honda Civic makes its brake system reliable for smooth and safe riding and parking.

Still, many Honda Civic users experience various problems with the brake system, which turns on the warning light and prevents the car from staring.

Honda Civic brake system problems can occur due to a stuck electronic parking brake, low charge battery, or loose connections.

A faulty servo meter or alternator can cause this issue, which you can easily diagnose and solve in an at-home garage.

However, you may need an expert mechanic to replace the blown fuse or repair the brake system to remove this warning light. Let’s discuss this briefly!

What is Honda Civic Brake System Problem Mean?

Noticing brake system problems in a Honda Civic isn’t uncommon. A stuck electronic parking brake can trigger this light and prevent your vehicle from starting.

The battery or its terminal can also source this error message. The parking brake button is placed on the Civic’s center console.

You can check the button for any dirt or debris build-up that can cause the button’s malfunction and activate the warning light.

If the parking brake switch is working properly and you are still dealing with the brake system problem light, the car battery may have a low charge.

To verify this, flick the headlights and high beams. If they deliver weaker light than normal, the battery might have a problem. Jump-start the battery to fix this problem.  

To do this, get another car and remove the ignition from both vehicles. Connect the positive jumper cable’s end to your weak battery’s positive terminal and the assisting battery.

Do the same with the negative cable and terminal. Turn on the engines of both cars and allow them to run for three minutes.

Remove the cables and close the hoods while keeping the jump-started vehicle running. Let the engine run for half an hour so the battery can fully charge.

Causes and Solutions of Honda Civic Brake System Problem

The dirty parking brake button isn’t the only possible source of brake system problems in the Honda Civic. Below are some other potential reasons of causing this warning light:

1. Loose Connections

Since the Honda Civic’s parking brake isn’t mechanical, this system might have an issue. There can be a loose connection between the brake’s two wires, or the fuse may blow out. The error light turning on and off frequently signifies a loose connection.

Solution:

To inspect the vehicle for faulty connections, turn off the car and remove the battery terminals. Find the fuse, usually placed under the hood near the steering wheel.

Remove the plastic cover and check the fuse to see if it’s fried or broken. If so, replace it. If the wires become loose, secure them tightly.

2. Faulty Servo Motor

The Honda Civic has a dedicated servo motor that helps turn on the parking brakes. If the motor doesn’t work properly or fails, the emergency brake won’t engage during pressing the button.

Solution:

To fix this problem, you must inspect and repair the motor with a professional. Consult with a dealership service centre.

They won’t charge any fee if it only requires software updates or adjustments to fix the problem.

3. Stuck Electric Parking Brake

The electric parking brake (EPB) helps keep the car stationary after parking it on an incline. If the EPB system is stuck in the engaged position, your Honda Civic will show the warning light and won’t start.

Solution:

If so, press the release button on the centre console to disengage the parking brake. If it doesn’t work, pull the EPB release lever close to the brake pedal to disconnect the system physically. The error message should disappear.

4. Faulty Alternator

The alternative is used to provide power to the electric system of a vehicle. Your Honda Civic may activate the brake system problem light if the alternator malfunctions. The sign of a faulty alternator is a blown fuse and low voltage in the battery.

Solution:

To solve this issue, replace the alternator. This will help run the electrical system’s power, allow the battery to charge properly, and prevent the warning light from vanishing.

Signs of Honda Civic Brake System Problem

An activated brake system problem light on the dashboard is an obvious sign of a problematic brake system. You may also hear a strange noise while applying or releasing the parking brake.

If there is any issue with the calipers or brake pads, it can make a whistling or screeching noise while using the parking brake.

If the brake system gets damaged, the brake may also appear to be sticking or holding onto the wheel. This can happen when releasing or parking the brake for a long time.

If so, you won’t be able to stop the car quickly, making it a serious concern. If you notice any of these signs, inspect the car by a licensed mechanic.

How To Reset the Electronic Parking Brake of a Honda Civic?

If your Honda Civic shows the brake system problem light due to a software issue or other simple problem, you can turn off the light by resetting the parking brake.

To do this, turn off your Honda Civic and open the hood. Find out the negative terminal of the battery and disconnect it.

Then, reattach the terminal and start your car. The error message should vanish, and the parking brake should work properly.

This trick should work as it forces the engine module to make a complete scan and ensure everything is functioning properly.

You can also reset your Honda Civic using the EPB button. The procedure:

Switch the ignition to the on position and shift the gear in the park. Don’t press the brake pedal. Then, pull and release the electric parking brake button to activate it.

Hold the button until you hear any mechanical sound in your car engine. Once heard, release the EPB button.

Again, pull and hold the button for three seconds and release it after hearing two mechanical beeps. This approach should resolve all EPB difficulties and the brake system problem, and the warning light should shut off.

Honda Civic Brake System Fixing Cost

The cost of fixing the parking brake system of a Honda Civic varies depending on the source of the problem, the auto repair shop, and your location.

Adjusting the parking brake system costs around $42 to $53 at repair pal. But if you need to replace the battery to fix the brake system problem, an auto repair shop will cost around $100 to $150.

Below is a list of the replacement costs of various parts that cause brake system problem light on in the Honda Civic

Parts name	Approximate Cost
Blown fuse	$96
Faulty servo motor	$50
Damaged alternator	$578 to $906

FAQs on Honda Civic Brake System Problem

Final Words

The Honda Civic brake system problem is serious, so you can’t overlook it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to start the car, drive on hills, or the car can move when parked.

Since you have understood the common reasons for this warning light and learned the fixing and resetting process, I hope you can solve the issue at your home garage if you can’t, hire an expert or bring the car to the nearest auto repair shop instead of neglecting it.