C0C7E - Common Electric Parking Brake Malfunction in 2015-2020 Ford Explorer and Fusion

Quick Answer

C0C7E means: C0C7E indicates a fault in the electric parking brake system, particularly affecting its ability to engage and disengage properly.

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $300 - $600 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with C0C7E? Immediate attention is advised, as a malfunctioning parking brake can lead to unsafe driving conditions.

Common Questions

What does C0C7E mean and how does it affect my car?

The C0C7E code indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake system, which can lead to safety issues such as the brake not engaging properly. This could result in your vehicle rolling away if parked on an incline, and the warning light will typically stay on. Long-term neglect of this issue may lead to more severe braking problems.

What are the most common causes of C0C7E and how much does it cost to fix?

The most common cause of C0C7E is a faulty electric parking brake module, which has a high likelihood of being the issue. Repair costs for this can range from $300 to $600, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Other causes include damaged wiring or connectors, which may cost between $100 and $300 to fix.

Can I drive my car with C0C7E or should I stop immediately?

It is not advisable to drive your vehicle if the parking brake is malfunctioning, as this poses a significant safety risk. If your parking brake fails to engage, you risk your vehicle rolling away, especially on inclines. It is best to address this problem immediately to ensure safe driving.

How can I diagnose C0C7E myself using GeekOBD APP?

To diagnose C0C7E using the GeekOBD APP, start by connecting the app to your vehicle's OBD2 port. Use the app to scan for error codes and check for any freeze frame data that can provide context about when the issue occurred. Look for any related codes that may help pinpoint the problem, and follow up with visual inspections of the electric parking brake system.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by C0C7E?

The C0C7E code is commonly found in the 2015-2020 Ford Explorer and Fusion models. These vehicles often experience issues with their electric parking brake systems, which may be exacerbated by factors such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, or manufacturing defects.

How can I prevent C0C7E from happening again?

To prevent C0C7E from occurring again, ensure regular maintenance of your vehicle's braking system. This includes periodic inspections of the electric parking brake components, keeping the wiring and connectors clean and free from corrosion, and addressing any warning lights promptly before they indicate a more significant issue.

What is C0C7E?

The diagnostic trouble code C0C7E indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake system, commonly found in vehicles like the 2015-2020 Ford Explorer and Fusion. This code suggests that the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM) has detected an issue that affects the proper operation of the electric parking brake. The electric parking brake system relies on a series of sensors, motors, and wiring to engage and disengage the brake. When the C0C7E code is triggered, it can lead to several issues, including the inability to activate the parking brake, which poses a significant safety risk. Real-world implications of this code can range from a simple warning light on the dashboard to complete failure of the parking brake system, making it essential for drivers to address the issue promptly. Owners may notice symptoms such as the parking brake light illuminating on the dashboard, unusual noises during operation, or a feeling of instability when parked on an incline. Therefore, understanding the root cause and taking action is crucial for safe vehicle operation and to avoid potentially costly repairs down the line.

System: C - Chassis (ABS, Steering, Suspension)

Symptoms

Common symptoms when C0C7E is present:

  • The parking brake warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a system fault.
  • The electric parking brake fails to engage, leading to potential rolling when parked.
  • Unusual noises, such as grinding or clicking sounds, occur when attempting to activate the parking brake.
  • Inconsistent performance where the parking brake sometimes engages and sometimes does not.
  • A feeling of instability or movement when parked on an incline due to brake failure.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of C0C7E (ordered by frequency):

  1. Faulty electric parking brake module (60% likelihood): This is the primary cause of DTC C0C7E, often due to wear and tear or electrical issues.
  2. Damaged wiring or connectors (20% likelihood): Corrosion or physical damage to the wiring can disrupt the electrical signals needed for proper operation.
  3. Faulty parking brake motor (10% likelihood): The motor responsible for engaging the brake may fail, leading to operational issues.
  4. Software issues in the vehicle's ECM (5% likelihood): Outdated or corrupted software can lead to miscommunication between components.
  5. Less common causes include mechanical failure within the brake system (5% likelihood), such as issues with the brake calipers or pads.

C0C7E Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Electric Parking Brake Module Replacement

Replacing the faulty electric parking brake module will restore functionality and resolve the C0C7E code.

  • Total: $300 - $600
  • Success rate: 85%
Wiring Repair

Repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors associated with the electric parking brake system.

  • Total: $100 - $300
  • Success rate: 75%
Money-Saving Tips for C0C7E
  • Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
  • Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
  • Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
  • Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
  • Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage

Diagnostic Steps

Professional C0C7E Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose C0C7E. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Step 1: Step 1: Perform a visual inspection of the electric parking brake system, checking for damaged wiring, loose connections, or signs of corrosion (5-10 minutes)

Step 1: Perform a visual inspection of the electric parking brake system, checking for damaged wiring, loose connections, or signs of corrosion (5-10 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 2: Step 2: Use the GeekOBD APP to scan the vehicle's OBD2 system for related codes and retrieve freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)

Step 2: Use the GeekOBD APP to scan the vehicle's OBD2 system for related codes and retrieve freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 3: Step 3: Test suspected components using a multimeter to verify the functionality of the electric parking brake module and motor (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Test suspected components using a multimeter to verify the functionality of the electric parking brake module and motor (20-30 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 4: Step 4: After repairs, conduct a system function test to ensure the electric parking brake operates correctly and clear the DTCs (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: After repairs, conduct a system function test to ensure the electric parking brake operates correctly and clear the DTCs (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 5: Step 5: Perform a road test to confirm successful repair under various driving conditions, ensuring the parking brake engages and disengages properly (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Perform a road test to confirm successful repair under various driving conditions, ensuring the parking brake engages and disengages properly (15-20 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.

Important Notes

  • Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
  • Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
  • Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence

Real Repair Case Studies

Case Study 1: Electric Parking Brake Module Replacement on 2017 Ford Fusion

Vehicle: 2017 Ford Fusion, 45,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported that the parking brake warning light stayed on and the brake failed to engage.

Diagnosis: After scanning with GeekOBD APP, the C0C7E code was confirmed. A visual inspection revealed corrosion on the electric parking brake module.

Solution: Replaced the electric parking brake module and repaired damaged wiring.

Cost: $450 (Module: $350, Labor: $100)

Result: The parking brake function was restored, and the warning light was cleared.

Case Study 2: Wiring Repair for Electric Parking Brake Issue in 2016 Ford Explorer

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer, 60,000 miles

Problem: Vehicle would not hold on a slope; the parking brake light was flashing.

Diagnosis: DTC C0C7E was retrieved, and a thorough inspection revealed frayed wiring in the parking brake harness.

Solution: Repaired the wiring and secured connections to eliminate shorts.

Cost: $200 (Parts: $50, Labor: $150)

Result: The system was fully operational post-repair, and the customer expressed satisfaction with the results.

Diagnose C0C7E

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  • Professional-grade analysis
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Code Information

Code: C0C7E
System: Chassis (ABS, Steering, Suspension)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Chassis Codes