C004C04

On BYD new energy vehicles (particularly the E5 and Song series), DTC C004C04 indicates a circuit fault in the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) right rear wheel actuator, rather than an ESP switch fault as stated in the original documentation — Atto 3

Braking System

On BYD new energy vehicles (particularly the E5 and Song series), DTC C004C04 indicates a circuit fault in the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) right rear wheel actuator, rather than an ESP switch fault as stated in the original documentation.

Specifically, the EPB control unit detects an open circuit, short circuit, or abnormal resistance in the right rear parking motor circuit, preventing the motor from completing the clamp/release action.

This fault triggers the system protection mechanism.

It may cause the right rear wheel to lock mechanically, prevent the EPB from releasing automatically (failing to disengage when shifting into gear and applying the accelerator), and compromise vehicle launch and driving safety.

Although the EPB and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) interact during brake management, this code specifically indicates a hardware or wiring fault in the parking brake actuator.

5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1EPB actuator motor internal coil burned out or open circuit: Prolonged motor operation causes overheating, the internal winding opens, and resistance becomes infinite (normal: 1.2-2.0Ω).
  • 2Wheel speed sensor signal interference: A loose right rear wheel speed sensor connector, damaged wiring harness, or iron filings on the magnetic encoder ring cause the EPB control unit to receive an unreliable wheel speed signal and incorrectly diagnose an actuator fault.
  • 3CAN communication circuit fault: Chafed insulation on the CAN-H/CAN-L wiring harness between the EPB control unit and the vehicle network at the right rear quarter panel causes a short to ground or abnormal signal voltage (deviating from the 2.5V reference).
  • 4Control unit software bug: Specific software versions (such as V2.1.2 and earlier) set the motor resistance detection threshold too strictly in low-temperature conditions, triggering a false fault during cold starts.
  • 5Brake light switch signal abnormal: Burnt internal contacts in the brake light switch prevent the EPB control unit from receiving a valid 'brake applied' signal, triggering circuit fault protection.
  • 1
    Use the BYD VDS diagnostic tool to read the complete EPB system fault codes and freeze frame data. Check for accompanying network fault codes, such as 'loss of communication with EPB', and confirm environmental conditions at the time of the fault, such as vehicle speed and temperature.
  • 2
    Raise the vehicle and check the right rear EPB actuator connector condition (broken locking tabs, backed-out terminals, water ingress, or oxidation). Measure the motor resistance: standard 1.2-2.0 Ω. An infinite reading indicates an internal motor open circuit.
  • 3
    Measure the EPB control unit power supply (constant B+ 12V), ignition switch power supply, and ground circuit. Measure the CAN line voltage (CAN-H 2.5-2.7V, CAN-L 2.3-2.5V) and check the wiring for short or open circuits.
  • 4
    Check the right rear wheel speed sensor: measure resistance (1.5-2.0kΩ), inspect the connector for looseness, clean iron filings from the magnetic encoder ring surface, and eliminate false alarms caused by signal interference.
  • 5
    Check the brake light switch: Verify synchronization of the two signal circuits on the four-wire switch. Measure the voltage output (should be 12V/B+) and rule out burnt contacts causing signal inconsistency.
  • 6
    If hardware inspection reveals no abnormalities, consult the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to verify the software version. Use VDS to update the EPB control unit to the latest version (e.g., V2.3.5+) to optimize the low-temperature detection algorithm.
  • 7
    After replacing the faulty component (EPB actuator assembly, wiring harness connector, or brake light switch), perform the EPB initialization learning procedure: calibrate the cable travel using the diagnostic tool, perform multiple clamp/release cycle tests, and confirm the current is within the standard 6-8A range.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro DM – Right rear EPB motor internal open circuit

After parking, the electronic handbrake would not release and the instrument panel displayed "Check Electronic Parking System". The right rear wheel locked up. Used VDS to read DTC C004C04 (right rear EPB motor circuit open). Measured resistance at the right rear EPB actuator motor plug and found infinite resistance, indicating the internal coil had burnt out. Replaced the right rear electronic parking brake actuator assembly (P/N 10237938-00). Performed EPB initialization learning and cleared the fault.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song PLUS DM-i - Wheel speed sensor signal interference causing false fault codes

While driving, the ESP light suddenly came on and the electronic handbrake indicator flashed. The warning disappeared after stopping and restarting. Read DTC C004C04 (right rear wheel speed sensor signal unreliable). Found the right rear wheel speed sensor connector locking clip broken and loose, and the hub bearing magnetic encoder ring covered with iron debris. Cleaned the encoder ring and sensor probe, replaced the connector and secured the wiring harness. Fault has not recurred.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Tang DM (Second Generation) - Damaged CAN wiring harness

Vehicle failed to start. Dashboard displayed 'Check Electronic Parking Brake System' and 'Check ESP System'. Unable to select gears. Scan revealed EPB DTC C004C04 (communication timeout) and ABS/ESP loss of communication with EPB. Measured abnormal CAN bus voltages: CAN-H 2.8V, CAN-L 2.2V. Removing the right rear interior trim panel revealed the wiring harness had chafed through and shorted at a sheet metal hole. Repaired the damaged CAN wiring, insulated and waterproofed the repair, and rerouted the harness. Vehicle returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Han EV - Control unit software bug

When cold-starting the vehicle in winter, the dashboard displayed 'Electronic Parking System Fault'. The warning cleared after 3-5 minutes and did not return when the vehicle was warm. Read historical DTC C004C04; no current faults present. Hardware inspection found no issues. Checked the TSB and confirmed software version V2.1.0 had an overly strict low-temperature detection threshold. Upgraded the EPB control unit software to V2.3.5, optimizing the low-temperature detection algorithm. Continuous testing confirmed the fault was resolved.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD e5 450 - Brake Light Switch Fault

Electronic parking brake won't auto-release (doesn't disengage when selecting Drive and applying throttle), cruise control inoperative. EPB system stored DTC C004C04 (brake signal validation failure); motor control system simultaneously logged 'brake switch signal inconsistency'. Checked the brake light switch: one signal circuit measured only 3.2V (should be 12V), confirming internal contact burn-out. Replaced brake light switch assembly (HA2-3720010) and adjusted mounting clearance to 1.5-2.0mm. Fault resolved.
Original source ↗
Data confidence: Official This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.