"EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated" in RAV4 – Why Do I See This?

Technology is improving rapidly and changing everything across the globe. Thanks to this vast advancement, advanced features have been introduced in automobile manufacturing. Most of these features are built to enhance your safety.

EPB shift interlock function activated message highlights

• Common reasons:low battery, EPB problems
• How to fix:charge or replace the battery
• Possible consequences:several smart EPB functions may not work
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$200-$350

"EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated - What Does This Mean?

EPB stands for Electric Parking Brake. It is an electronically controlled brake activated by depressing the pedal and pulling the EPB button up. On your Toyota RAV4, this message means that your electronic parking brake is active; it will engage and disengage automatically when you shift into or out of Park. In this case, your vehicle has no problem with the electronic parking brake or related areas.

If you engage the parking brake manually by pulling up and holding on to the parking brake button, the message appears once it is engaged. However, if you randomly see this message, there is a problem with your RAV4 parking brake system. Keep reading to discover what could be wrong and how to fix the issue.

Why Does This Message Show Up Randomly? Check the Following

When the "EPB shift interlock function activated" message shows up randomly, there is a problem with the electric parking brake system. Most often, there is an issue with the battery. If the message shows up during start-up, your battery is beginning to fail.

However, besides the battery, there are other possible reasons the "EPB shift interlock function activated" message appears randomly.

1) A Wiring Problem or Shorted Connection

Your electric parking brake can experience problems when there is an open connection in the wiring. All wiring and connections in the center console and other components linked to the electric parking brake fall under this issue. A problem in the wiring can cause the "EPB shift interlock function activated" message to appear randomly.

If your Toyota RAV4 has an issue with wiring that can affect the electric parking brake, it is advisable to have it checked by a professional wiring technician. Some wiring problems may not cause any significant issues.

2) The Parking Brake Button

The "EPB shift interlock function activated" message can appear randomly because of a faulty parking brake button. Dirt in the switch can easily trigger this message. If you spill a drink on the center console, it may cause the button to malfunction.

If you suspect a malfunction in the EPB button, you can disassemble the center console and replace the faulty components underneath, including the switch.

It is also advisable to check for other faults before replacing the switch beneath the console. The power supply and other electrical connections could be the ones causing the fault message to appear randomly. 

3) Cable Connectors

There are several reasons your Toyota RAV4 is randomly sending the "EPB shift interlock function activated" message. However, one of the primary causes of this issue is faulty cable connectors. If cable connectors in the electric parking brake system are worn out or misconnected, you may see this message on your dashboard.

Suppose you notice this message appearing when it shouldn't; inspect every cable connector in the electric parking brake system. If you identify faulty connectors, it is advisable to replace them immediately. You may have to put in a lot of work or take a trip to your mechanic. It is also advisable to permanently replace all cables and connectors in your RAV4's EPB system once they expire. You can consult your manufacturer's manual about the expiry dates of the wires and connectors.

4) Try Resetting the EPB Control Unit

If you notice the "EPB shift interlock function activated" message coming up when it should not, it could be the EPB control unit has malfunctioned. Start by checking if the unit is connected correctly.

If you don't notice any loose connection in the EPB control unit, try resetting the unit. Disconnect the battery for around ten seconds and reconnect it. If this doesn't eliminate the problem, contact a professional mechanic to check it out.

5) Inspect the EPB Power Supply

The "EPB shift interlock function activated" message may be showing up because the entire electric parking brake has failed. A problem with the EPB power supply could cause this failure. If you notice this message appears when it shouldn't, there are several things you can do to fix the issue.

First, check to ensure the power supply unit is working correctly. It is advisable to do this inspection thoroughly as you may end up replacing the entire electric parking brake system. If it gets to that point, ensure you have all the specifications of your Toyota RAV4 EPB system.   

6) The Electrical System of Your RAV4

Your Toyota RAV4 has several control units linked to each other using electrical connections. A failure in one of these wiring networks, or a component in the networks, could cause the electric parking brake to fail; thus, the "EPB shift interlock function activated" error message.

Several possible problems could occur in the electrical system of your Toyota RAV4. Dirty connectors, corroded wiring, and incorrectly installed components are all possible causes of failure in the electric parking brake system.

People often check for faulty components and connections within the electric parking brake system. However, a failure in another network linked to the EPB system could be causing it to fail; thus, the "EPB shift interlock function activated" error message.

Before attempting any repair, check every electrical connection linked to the EPB system. Your RAV4 may require extensive electrical system repair to eliminate the EPB problem. In this case, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic.  

Is it Okay to Keep Driving With an "EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated" Message?

Most warning lights on your RAV4 dashboard require immediate action. However, the "EPB shift interlock function activated" is not one of them. This message will show up when you have engaged the electric parking brake. This is normal and shouldn't get you worried.

However, when the message shows up randomly when it shouldn't, you need to have the electric parking brake of your Toyota RAV4 diagnosed. Mostly, the reason for this message showing up won't be bad enough to have you park and call an uber. However, for safety's sake, it is advisable to have the vehicle inspected and the problem identified and fixed.

If this message is popping up because the battery is failing, you should fix it immediately. This can easily leave you stranded on the roadside. The battery may not have enough juice to restart the engine once you turn it off.

All factors taken care of, it is essential to ensure that this message is not showing up because the electric parking brake is failing. It is dangerous to drive with a faulty parking brake system. To ensure you and your car are safe, ensure you have the electric parking brake inspected and fixed.     

How to Activate EPB Shift Interlock

Activating the electric parking brake is not a difficult task. Look for the EPB button, pull it up, and hold it for a few seconds. You will see an "EPB shift interlock function activated" message on the multi-information screen. This is to notify you that the EPB has automatically engaged with the in-park shift level.

You can disengage the electric parking brake by shifting from Park; if you don't want to go the automatic way of deactivating the electric parking brake, press and hold the EPB button down until you see a deactivation message on the multi-information screen.

How to Fix the "EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated" Message Appearing Randomly

First, there is nothing to fix if your RAV4 brought the message up under normal operations. However, if the EPB system is faulty, causing the message to appear when it shouldn't, it is advisable to fix the problem to avoid further damage.

In most cases, this message shows up because of a problem with your battery. You should test or have a mechanic test the battery. Many local auto repair shops don't charge for testing a battery. If the battery is the problem, have it replaced immediately.

If the battery is not the cause of the problem, it's advisable to visit a professional to inspect other possible causes, as discussed above. Visit your mechanic or the nearest Toyota service center for assistance.

Unless you have a professional mechanic background, it is not recommended that you try to fix these problems yourself. You will need advanced tools and equipment to fix electrical problems in your Toyota RAV4 properly.  

Conclusion

The electric parking brake is an incredible invention that has made modern cars safer. While the system may fail, its advantages are more than possible problems.

To this point, you have understood what the "EPB shift interlock function activated" message means. It is a notification that your vehicle is safely parked with the electric parking brake engaged. This is true until there's a fault in the EPB or the wiring system of your Toyota RAV4.