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e-Brake Maintenance Mode

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Rav4-lim

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I did brakes today, so had to get the e-brake units into maintenance mode.

I followed the posts that show 3 pulls, 3 pushes, then hold on push. Did not work for me.

2020 Lim gas.

Here's how mine work.

No foot on brake, turn or press ignition to "ON", one past "accessory".
Foot on brake push the ebrake button once to release the ebrake
Turn off the vehicle, no foot on brake go back to "ON", one past "accessory"
Pull ebrake button 3x, push button 3x, then push-hold button, then step on and off the brake

That last bold step was needed for the e-brake units to move into maintenance mode.

Turn off vehicle, do your work. When done, pump the brake pedal to push some fluid in to tighten up the calipers, Start vehicle, pump some more, then operate the e-brake (pull) and it will go back into position and remove from maintenance mode. From there it should be good to use normally.
 
#5 ·
Al Benson said:
The service manual provides two options for the brake replacement mode (term used in manual): Techstream and no techstream. I wonder if techstream is easier compared to the non-techstream option.
Click to expand...

Yes it is but you need techstream.
If you have that, it's just a matter of telling the ecu to put the EPB in service mode in the menus. That's how I used to put the EPB in service mode on my Volvo, it uses a similar software to techstream called Vida.
I was thinking of buying a techstream clone off the interwebs but the reviews tend to be lukewarm, apparently the techstream clones tend to be hit or miss, more miss than hit, seemingly it has to di in part with the fact that the OBD2 interfaces are crude.. The Vida clone was super solid, it even had a legit looking OBD interface. If I ever go the software way, I will buy a legit scanning unit (thinking of an Xtool D8). Not cheap but I love my Rav4 too much to chance frying something by going ghetto on techstream.
 
#7 ·
Rav4-lim said:
…No foot on brake, turn or press ignition to "ON", one past "accessory".
Foot on brake push the ebrake button once to release the ebrake
Turn off the vehicle, no foot on brake go back to "ON", one past "accessory"
Pull ebrake button 3x, push button 3x, then push-hold button, then step on and off the brake

That last bold step was needed for the e-brake units to move into maintenance mode...
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. I, too, had to step on/off the brake pedal to put the rear brakes in maintenance mode. This was my last hope before I took apart the electric motor from the caliper. I had done that twice before on sister’s NX200t and it’s not a complicated procedure but I wanted to do it via maintenance mode.

And it turned out brake pads were fine. My daughter was complaining of brake noise when backing up in her 2020 RAV4 with 98K miles. Pads are about 10mm thick and have another 50K. But I discovered the lower guide pins had dry grease and the caliper could barely move along the guide pins. Re-greased them and sandpapered the glaze off the pads. No more squeaking, for now.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
My rear e-brake mechanisms got noisy again. I was able to quiet them up during last rear pads replacing, re-oiled the mechanisms, and it stayed quiet for about 5mo, then began to get noisy again. Apparently noisy mechanisms are normal according to the dealer.

I at 55kmi now, this week I replace front pads and install new spark plugs. Same Bosch ceramic quietcast, and Autolite iridium plugs.
 
Discussion starter · #10 · (Edited)
Afpj said:
Why did you need to change sparks @ 55k miles?
Click to expand...
The "need" question has no answers, has many answers, etc.
They came out color good, but the OEM tips are super fine and they do look a bit worn.
I'll grab some magnified pics of the tips and will post into a new post (to keep this one about brakes).
Plus, Autolite Iridium HP are low cost, and do the job a-ok.
 
#14 ·
Turns out I had a code scanner all along that can place the e-brake unit into maintenance mode. It is the Ancel TD700. I had got it last year to read transmission codes on an 07 ES350. I was using it the other day to read ATF temp in wife’s 18 RX350 to do an ATF change when I noticed the EPB (electric parking brake) module in the main menu. It worked great. I tried it on daughter’s 20 RAV4 today, and it worked. I also confirmed it reads ATF temps as I will be doing an ATF flush at her next oil change. The Ancel covers Toyota/Lexus models up to 2021 and, in the $120 price range, is affordable.
 
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