Acura Electric Brake Manual

The Acura Electric Brake system is an advanced electronic braking system designed for modern Acura vehicles, featuring electronic brake force distribution, regenerative braking, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control, and brake assist. This manual covers safety precautions, system components, operation procedures, maintenance guidelines, and troubleshooting for optimal brake performance and vehicle safety.

1. System Overview 2. Safety Precautions 3. Components and Locations 4. Operation Procedures 5. Maintenance Guidelines 6. Diagnostic Features 7. Troubleshooting 8. Technical Specifications 9. Warranty Information

System Overview

The Acura Electric Brake system integrates traditional hydraulic braking with electronic control for enhanced safety and performance. Key features include regenerative braking for improved efficiency, electronic brake distribution for optimal stopping power, and integrated stability control.

Component	Function
Brake Control Module	Central computer controlling all brake functions
Electric Brake Booster	Provides electronic brake assist and pedal feel
Wheel Speed Sensors	Monitor individual wheel speeds for ABS and traction control
Regenerative Braking System	Converts kinetic energy to electrical energy during braking
Brake Pedal Sensor	Detects pedal position and driver input
Hydraulic Control Unit	Manages brake fluid pressure to each wheel
Stability Control Module	Monitors vehicle dynamics and intervenes when needed

Safety Precautions

Proper operation and maintenance of the electric brake system is critical for vehicle safety.

Always perform system checks before driving: Ensure brake warning lights function properly.
Maintain proper brake fluid levels: Check reservoir monthly.
Inspect brake pads and rotors regularly: Replace when worn to minimum thickness.
Test brake function in safe area: Ensure proper stopping distance and pedal feel.
Address warning lights immediately: Do not drive with brake system warning lights illuminated.

WARNING! Never disable safety systems. Always use genuine Acura parts for replacements.

Components and Locations

Understanding the location and function of each brake system component is essential for proper maintenance.

Brake Pedal Assembly: Located in driver footwell, includes position sensor
Master Cylinder: Engine compartment, driver side near firewall
Brake Booster: Behind master cylinder, vacuum or electric assisted
ABS Module: Typically near master cylinder or underhood fuse box
Wheel Speed Sensors: Each wheel hub assembly
Brake Calipers: Each wheel, contain brake pads
Brake Rotors: Mounted to wheel hubs, provide braking surface

Operation Procedures

Proper operation ensures optimal brake performance and system longevity.

Normal Braking: Apply steady pressure to brake pedal for smooth stops.
Emergency Braking: Apply firm, continuous pressure - ABS will activate if needed.
Regenerative Braking: Automatic in hybrid/electric models - recovers energy during deceleration.
Hill Start Assist: Automatically holds brake pressure on inclines for 2 seconds.
Electronic Parking Brake: Engage with switch, disengages automatically when driving away.

NOTE: Brake pedal may feel different during regenerative braking operation.

Maintenance Guidelines

Regular maintenance ensures brake system reliability and performance.

Maintenance Item	Interval	Procedure
Brake Fluid	Every 3 years/45,000 miles	Complete flush and replacement
Brake Pads	As needed (check every 15,000 miles)	Replace when worn to 3mm thickness
Brake Rotors	As needed	Replace or resurface when below minimum thickness
System Calibration	After component replacement	Use diagnostic tool for electronic system reset
Sensor Inspection	Every 30,000 miles	Check wheel speed sensors for damage or corrosion

Diagnostic Features

The electric brake system includes comprehensive self-diagnostic capabilities.

Warning Lights: ABS, Brake, and Stability Control indicators on instrument cluster
Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Accessible via OBD-II port with compatible scanner
System Tests: Built-in functionality tests available through diagnostic menu
Sensor Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of all brake system sensors
Performance Logging: System stores performance data for service diagnosis

CAUTION! Only qualified technicians should perform advanced diagnostics.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Spongy brake pedal	Air in brake lines, worn components	Bleed brake system, inspect master cylinder
Brake warning light on	Low fluid, worn pads, system fault	Check fluid level, inspect pads, scan for codes
ABS activating unnecessarily	Faulty wheel speed sensor	Diagnose and replace affected sensor
Brake noise	Worn pads, glazed rotors	Inspect and replace worn components
Reduced braking power	Contaminated fluid, worn components	Flush brake fluid, inspect entire system
Electronic parking brake fault	Motor failure, electrical issue	Diagnose with scanner, repair as needed

Technical Specifications

Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4
System Pressure: 1,000-2,000 PSI (varies by model)
ABS Operation: Up to 15 cycles per second
Regenerative Braking: Recovers up to 70% of kinetic energy (hybrid models)
Electronic Stability Control: Monitors yaw rate and steering angle
Brake Pad Material: Semi-metallic or ceramic compounds
Rotor Material: Cast iron with vented design
System Voltage: 12V DC for electronic components

Warranty Information

Acura Electric Brake components are covered under the standard vehicle warranty. Brake pads and rotors are considered wear items and have limited coverage. For warranty claims and service, contact your authorized Acura dealership.

Service Support: 1-800-TO-ACURA | www.acura.com

Emergency Roadside: 1-800-ACURA-123