Generally, an electronic handbrake malfunction manifests as an inability to engage the handbrake or release it. If the electronic handbrake fails to engage, you can try restarting the vehicle. If this doesn't work, it is advisable to take the vehicle to a repair shop for a detailed inspection or repair. If the electronic handbrake won't release, the vehicle will be immobilized, which is a rarer occurrence. In such cases, you should call for roadside assistance.
Additionally, if an electronic handbrake malfunction occurs after replacing the rear brake pads, it's recommended to visit a repair shop to recalibrate the electronic brake system. Other malfunctions might require checking the circuit from the fuse or the electronic handbrake switch. The electronic handbrake uses electronic control methods to achieve parking brake functions. Its working principle is the same as the mechanical handbrake, using the friction between the brake disc and brake pad to control braking. The difference is that the control mechanism has transitioned from a manual lever to an electronic button.
Furthermore, if you experience a handbrake seizure and find it difficult to free the rear wheels in either forward or reverse gears, you shouldn't forcefully accelerate. Instead, you can try turning off the engine, releasing the handbrake, and then firmly pushing down on the seized wheel with your foot. Afterward, manually rock the vehicle back and forth. As the rocking amplitude increases, the seized rear wheel should come free.
Rear wheel lock-ups typically occur in vehicles with rear drum brakes or disc brakes. A common scenario is during rainy days or after washing the car. When the brake shoe pads inside the wheel hub get wet and the handbrake is engaged for extended periods, the brake disc's friction pads can rust and stick together, gradually leading to an increasingly tight bond.
