Electronic Parking Brake Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electronic parking brake motor on the rear brake caliper assembly of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• EPB motor gasket/O-ring (if equipped) × 1 — Verify with OEM parts diagram
• Brake fluid DOT 3 × 1 — Honda DOT 3 recommended

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage electronic parking brake initially to verify current system operation
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Connect Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or compatible scan tool to OBD-II port
4. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and enter EPB service mode through scan tool to retract caliper pistons fully
5. Once service mode confirms piston retraction, turn ignition OFF
6. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes to ensure all systems are powered down
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
8. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
9. Remove rear wheel completely
10. Clean brake caliper area with brake cleaner to remove dirt and corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect EPB motor electrical connector
   Locate the EPB motor on the rear of the brake caliper. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the motor. Move the wiring harness away from the work area to prevent damage.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper from bracket
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts using a 14mm socket. Support the caliper weight and lift it away from the brake rotor. Hang the caliper from the suspension using a caliper hanger or strong wire to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose, as this can cause internal hose damage and brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove EPB motor mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts securing the EPB motor to the rear of the caliper body. Use a 10mm socket to remove both mounting bolts completely. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation or replacement.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove EPB motor from caliper
   Carefully pull the EPB motor assembly straight back away from the caliper housing. The motor shaft connects to the internal caliper piston screw mechanism. If resistance is felt, verify the piston was fully retracted in service mode. Remove and inspect the gasket or O-ring seal from the motor mounting surface.
   ⚠Do not force the motor removal. Excessive force indicates the piston may not be fully retracted or there is internal binding requiring further diagnosis.
5. 5

   Inspect caliper piston mechanism
   With the motor removed, visually inspect the exposed piston screw mechanism inside the caliper for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Check that the mechanism rotates smoothly by hand (clockwise to retract). If binding or damage is present, the entire caliper assembly may require replacement.
6. 6

   Prepare new EPB motor for installation
   Remove the new EPB motor from packaging and verify it matches the old motor configuration. Install a new gasket or O-ring on the motor mounting face if equipped. Ensure the motor shaft end is clean and free of debris. Do not apply grease to the motor shaft or internal piston interface.
7. 7

   Install new EPB motor to caliper
   Align the new EPB motor shaft with the caliper piston screw mechanism. Carefully push the motor straight into the caliper housing, ensuring the shaft engages properly with the internal threads. The motor should seat flush against the caliper mounting surface. If resistance is encountered, slightly rotate the motor body while applying gentle pressure.
   ⚠Ensure proper shaft alignment before forcing the motor into position. Cross-threading or misalignment will damage the caliper piston mechanism.
8. 8

   Install EPB motor mounting bolts
   Insert both mounting bolts through the motor housing into the caliper body. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to bolt threads if specified by the replacement motor instructions. Hand-tighten both bolts first, then torque in a cross pattern to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect EPB motor electrical connector
   Route the wiring harness back to the EPB motor. Align the electrical connector and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from the hanger. Inspect brake pads for wear and replace if necessary. Position the caliper over the brake rotor and align with the caliper bracket. Clean the slide pin bores and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pins. Insert and hand-start both caliper slide pin bolts, then torque to specification in an alternating pattern.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the rear wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize EPB system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off). Using the scan tool, exit EPB service mode and perform EPB calibration/initialization procedure as directed by the tool. This process will extend and retract the caliper pistons to establish proper motor position. Listen for motor operation and verify no fault codes are present.
    ⚠️EPB calibration MUST be completed using the scan tool before operating the vehicle. Failure to calibrate will result in improper parking brake operation and potential brake failure.
13. 13

    Test EPB operation
    With the scan tool still connected, manually activate the electronic parking brake using the cabin switch. Verify both rear motors engage (listen for motor sound and check for resistance when attempting to rotate the wheel by hand). Release the parking brake and verify motors disengage completely. Check for any fault codes and clear if initialization codes are present.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with DOT 3 fluid if necessary
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in wheel well or under vehicle
4. Torque all fasteners to specifications using proper sequence

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the parking brake warning light is OFF on the instrument cluster
• Perform multiple parking brake apply and release cycles from the cabin switch, confirming smooth motor operation with no unusual sounds
• With vehicle on level ground and engine running, engage parking brake and attempt to drive forward slowly - vehicle should not move
• Release parking brake and verify complete disengagement by confirming free wheel rotation and no warning lights
• Scan for DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) using the scan tool and verify no EPB system faults are present
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed, performing several gentle brake applications to verify normal brake pedal feel and operation
• After test drive, park on a moderate incline and engage parking brake to verify it holds the vehicle securely

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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