SilverstackerWisconsin
Member
- First Name
- Ken
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2020
- Threads
- 0
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 10
- Location
- Marshfield, Wi
- Vehicle(s)
- 2016 Honda Civic LX
There is a reason I spent the money for a battery tester and test my battery and charging health every month. With all the cars being so heavily computerized, a battery that is on the way out will cause all kinds of problems. On another note, there are analyzers that include the ability to reset the Ebrakes - probably a reason for that. Just my 2 centsThis solution is for Civic 2017, but might work 2016 models too.
Hello Guys
I have solved the issue with similar problems. I would try to be through as possible.
First of all I have a Honda Civic 2017 EX-T 1.5 Liter Turbo w/Sensing. 2016 models might have a software issue as per this thread, I can't confirm that but the solution might work for you.
Problem: My car was in parking. I did use Cruise Control for half an hour before I parked the car. Later in the evening, when I started the car, a message popped up saying "Electronic Brake System Failed", the electronic brake totally lost power and the car moved forward without any acceleration from me. I immediately pressed the brake peddle with my foot and the brake jammed, light flickered and the car totally shut down. Lock wasn't working, the start button wasn't flickering "white" as usually do in Civic EX-T. It was total shutdown. I locked the car with metal key from the key fob and manually closed all the passenger seats.
As I went through this forum, I found out some earlier models had similar problems and was recalled for a software update. That wasn't the case for my vehicle though.
Towards Wrong Solution: Next day I called Honda Dealership and they checked my VIN number and said there is no recall for 2017 Civic and if I want to do a software update, they have to check if there is actually any available or not and even then if I want to go through it they will charge me $140+tax dollars. I called another dealership and they said a software update is not available as of 31st March, 2020 for my Honda Civic 2017 and it will cost $138+tax+labor if I do a flush software update. May I just add that dealerships are total vultures? Please don't take their word for it.
The Solution: So next I checked one YouTube video and suspected I might have a battery issue. I took out my battery and took it to Pep Boys (you can also take it to AutoZone). They will examine your battery for free. This is when I found out that my battery is totally dead...like "the soul has even left the body of battery" kinda dead. This is now self explanatory that I have to change the battery. Civic needs a 51R battery type which they quoted $170 dollars. I decided to get mine from Costco which cost me about $83 dollars with tax+ 36 months warranty (as of 31st March, 2020). Note that if you don't give them your old battery to recycle, they will charge $15.99 extra. Although you have the option to take old the battery later on and get that money refunded. Note that my mileage was 42,370 and I never changed a battery before, the car was brand new and was bought when it had 5 miles in it.
I changed my battery afterwards. The car took a while to restart all the safety systems, you may have to press the audio power button for two seconds to jump start the process when it prompts. As I drove immediately, all the warning signs came up (Brake system problem, ACC Problem, TPMS Problem etc etc.). So I went to settings and put all the system settings back to default and restarted the car. Since then, the warning signs are gone. The car is performing as it used to.
It is important to note that there were no prior warnings that my car battery health isn't good, am not sure if the car can do that either. But I felt a subtle hiccup while starting the car few days back, which was barely noticeable, and I totally ignored it. Lesson learned, will check my battery health next time there is a hiccup or I passed another 38k miles to be on safe side.
Steps you should take if this problem occurs.
1. Keep your VIN ready and call a Honda dealership to check if there is any recall or software update.
2. Take out your battery and take it for a free checkup to Pep Boys or such sort of business.
3. If the battery is dead, get a good one (I got mine from Costco).
4. Replace the battery.
TL;DR
Do a battery checkup. It might be the very reason for all the hiccup as there is no power and brake system failed along with other systems. I assume a weak battery might trigger the whole warning system repeatedly. If your battery is fine, this solution is probably not for you and there are other problems which you need to look on.
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This was the only issue I ever had with this car.
