Electronic Parking Brake Motor

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake (EPB) motor/actuator on the rear brake caliper of a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake motor/actuator × 1 — Use OEM specification (Honda part 43022-TBA-A01 or equivalent)
• EPB motor mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground, engage transmission park/gear, and chock front wheels securely
2. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and connect Honda Diagnostic Scan Tool (HDS) or compatible scanner with EPB functions
3. Using scan tool, navigate to EPB service mode and select 'Retract EPB Motor' or 'Service Mode' to fully retract rear caliper pistons electronically
4. Verify on scan tool that EPB motors have fully retracted before proceeding
5. Turn ignition OFF and disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental EPB activation during service
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
7. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
8. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear brake caliper
   Locate the rear brake caliper and electronic parking brake motor on the back of the caliper assembly. The EPB motor is a cylindrical unit mounted to the rear of the caliper with electrical connector. Spray brake cleaner on area and wipe clean to prevent contamination during disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect EPB motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the EPB motor. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the motor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector shows green corrosion, clean with electrical contact cleaner and consider replacing connector pigtail.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires. Press locking tab fully before attempting to separate connector to avoid breaking connector housing.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts (upper and lower) that secure the caliper to the bracket. These are typically 14mm bolts. Keep track of bolt locations as they may be different lengths. Once bolts are removed, carefully pivot caliper upward off the brake pads.
   ⚠️Support caliper weight immediately after removing second bolt. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support and secure brake caliper
   Using a brake caliper hanger or sturdy wire, hang the caliper from the suspension or chassis. Ensure there is no tension or kinking on the brake hose. The caliper must be fully supported and stable for safe access to the EPB motor mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Remove EPB motor mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts securing the EPB motor to the rear of the caliper housing. These are typically 12mm bolts. Using appropriate socket, remove both mounting bolts completely. Note the bolt length and any washers or spacers present.
   ⚠Motor may be seized to caliper due to corrosion. Do not force removal or strike motor housing as this can damage internal components.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove EPB motor from caliper
   Carefully pull the EPB motor straight away from the caliper housing. If motor is stuck due to corrosion, gently wiggle while pulling. The motor shaft engages with the caliper piston mechanism, so it may require moderate force to disengage. Inspect the motor shaft and caliper piston interface for damage or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean caliper mounting surface
   Inspect the caliper housing where EPB motor mounts for corrosion, debris, or damage. Use wire brush to clean mounting surface and motor shaft engagement area. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Inspect O-ring sealing surface on caliper - if groove is damaged, caliper may need replacement. Check that caliper piston mechanism moves smoothly by hand.
   ⚠Do not use compressed air to clean brake components as this can disperse harmful brake dust. Use brake cleaner and wipe method only.
8. 8

   Prepare new EPB motor for installation
   Remove new EPB motor from packaging and verify part number matches old unit. Check that new motor includes O-ring or seal (if applicable to your model year). Inspect motor shaft for any shipping damage. Do not apply grease or lubricant to motor shaft unless specifically called for in Honda service bulletin.
9. 9

   Install new EPB motor
   Align new EPB motor shaft with caliper piston mechanism. Carefully push motor straight into caliper housing, ensuring shaft properly engages with piston mechanism. Motor should seat flush against caliper housing without excessive force. If motor does not seat properly, remove and check for obstructions or misalignment.
   ⚠Ensure motor shaft is properly aligned before applying installation force. Cross-threading or misalignment can damage both motor and caliper piston assembly.
10. 10

    Install EPB motor mounting bolts
    Insert both mounting bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Hand-thread bolts fully before applying torque. Using torque wrench, tighten mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern (alternate between bolts). Verify motor sits flush and secure against caliper housing after torquing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect EPB motor electrical connector
    Align electrical connector with EPB motor pins and push firmly until locking tab clicks into place. Verify connector is fully seated by gently pulling on connector body (not wires). Ensure wiring harness has proper routing and is not pinched or stretched.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove caliper from support hanger/wire. Clean caliper slide pins with brake cleaner and inspect rubber boots for damage. Apply thin coat of silicone brake grease to slide pin shafts (not threads). Position caliper over brake pads and bracket. Insert both slide pin bolts and hand-thread completely before torquing.
    ⚠Use only silicone-based brake grease on slide pins. Petroleum-based grease will damage rubber boots and cause caliper seizure.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheel, hand-threading all lug nuts before lowering vehicle. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground (still supported by jack). Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and perform EPB calibration
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Connect diagnostic scan tool and navigate to EPB service functions. Select 'EPB Calibration' or 'Initialize EPB System'. Follow scan tool prompts to complete automatic calibration procedure. This typically involves multiple apply/release cycles. Do not interrupt calibration process.
    ⚠️EPB calibration is MANDATORY after motor replacement. Failure to properly calibrate will result in parking brake malfunction and potential vehicle rollaway.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite rear wheel if replacing both EPB motors
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from wheel well area
3. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed (EPB service should not require bleeding)

Verification

• With scan tool connected, verify EPB calibration completed successfully with no error codes
• With engine running, apply electronic parking brake using switch in cabin - verify motor operates smoothly with no abnormal noise
• Release parking brake and verify indicator light extinguishes and motor releases fully
• Perform parking brake hold test: On level ground in neutral with brake released, attempt to push vehicle - should roll freely
• Engage parking brake and attempt to push vehicle - should be completely locked and not roll
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 10 mph in safe area) and verify normal brake pedal feel and no dragging from rear brakes
• After test drive, verify parking brake applies and releases normally multiple times
• Check for any EPB warning lights on instrument cluster - all brake system warnings should be off
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - confirm no EPB-related codes present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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