Parking brake stuck
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I had the same problem on my 03 linear for a while. The dealer replaced some mechanism in the e-brake, and since then I haven't had any problems. As far as what to do now, I seem to remember the only thing I did was swear a lot at it, but I don't think that released it. You could try to call the dealer, this is a warranty problem, they should come get the car to fix it if you can't get it undone. Hope you can get this fixed soon, these cars aren't nearly as fun when the e-brake is on.
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Happened to my '03 SS a couple of times. The dealer has to replace the e-brake under warranty. But as far as getting the e-brake to release in the mean time... Pulling up on the lever doesn't help. Use an object like a screwdriver (hold the screwdriver perpendicular to the e-brake lever like a cross) and pull it up against the "release button" on the e-brake, you may have to use both hands to pull up on the screwdriver to force the button in. Should release, though you may have to force the button in really hard.
The e-brake is definetly defective. I remember the release button on my old ebrake assembly had a lot of play in it -- you could push the button in almost halfway before I could feel any type of pressure against the button. After replacement the button has a lot more "pressure", there is not "play" in the button before I feel pressure against it.
If you have any "play" in your ebrake release button, it's not normal, get it fixed.
The e-brake is definetly defective. I remember the release button on my old ebrake assembly had a lot of play in it -- you could push the button in almost halfway before I could feel any type of pressure against the button. After replacement the button has a lot more "pressure", there is not "play" in the button before I feel pressure against it.
If you have any "play" in your ebrake release button, it's not normal, get it fixed.
I pulled the trim off the console, turns out there is a nylon (?) part the cable from the button connects that pulls a metal pawl out fo the rachet teeth. It had broken, so pressing the button did nothing and the handle just racheted up as far as it could go. So I'm cursing the car and the cold as I try and find a way to release the pawl. Too bad the dealer is an hour away...
Tim
Tim
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I had that problem once, and then my smart guy broter decided to keep pulling it to try to get it to release, instead, he pulled it until it ran out of travel room. I had to get it towed to the dealer to be fixed. In theory, you can leave the car running for about 30 minutes and the parking brake will un freeze, but it still will need to go to the dealer, as this is a known problem that should be fixed.
Well, it took a while. I had to remove the entire center console in order to figure out the 13mm under the back cubby was the parking brake adjuster. Once I backed it off, the brake handle released. There was definitely a broken bit, so it's off to the dealer. At least I can drive the rig.
Tim
Tim
I actually had this problem with my MY2004 9-3 Linear. The build date of my car is 9/2003. Darn thing was pulled up as far as it could go by the time I realized it wasn't coming down. Had to have the dealer send a tech out to bust open the console and then drive it to the dealer. They replaced the mechanism and everything's been fine since.SSAero said:
IQS
HI,
After talking and reading a great deal about this, it seems two things happen. The entire parking brake mechanism is mechanical. Occaisionally the brake would literally freeze - maybe parts contracting in the cold - and warming the car might help.
More often the case, a design flaw wouldn't let the button/cable in the handle release the pawl and the brake would rachet up until the handle jammed against the casting. Pulling the trim panels allows you to access the adjuster nut under the small cubby between the seats. Backing the adjuster off would release the parking brake and in my case the tension holding the pawl in place and the handle returned to its off position. There is a dealer fix that sometimes replaces the entire assembly. I haven't seen the TSB to pass on anything else.
Tim
After talking and reading a great deal about this, it seems two things happen. The entire parking brake mechanism is mechanical. Occaisionally the brake would literally freeze - maybe parts contracting in the cold - and warming the car might help.
More often the case, a design flaw wouldn't let the button/cable in the handle release the pawl and the brake would rachet up until the handle jammed against the casting. Pulling the trim panels allows you to access the adjuster nut under the small cubby between the seats. Backing the adjuster off would release the parking brake and in my case the tension holding the pawl in place and the handle returned to its off position. There is a dealer fix that sometimes replaces the entire assembly. I haven't seen the TSB to pass on anything else.
Tim
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5 Posts
Stuck parking brake hanlde assembly/spring
20004 93. I also had a stuck parking brake. It was not frozen, but the handle kept ratcheting upward but would not come back down. In the end I disassembled the e-brake handle to get the car out of the road. Attempting to put the handles back together again I noticed the round spring. I am baffled by where this spring goes in the assembly. I need help. Can someone help explain where the spring belongs?
20004 93. I also had a stuck parking brake. It was not frozen, but the handle kept ratcheting upward but would not come back down. In the end I disassembled the e-brake handle to get the car out of the road. Attempting to put the handles back together again I noticed the round spring. I am baffled by where this spring goes in the assembly. I need help. Can someone help explain where the spring belongs?
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There is a thread out there somewhere with the needed information because I've posted this picture before. I noted the location of the spring in the picture. Good Luck!
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Thanks so much for the reply
I was hoping someone would know where this spring went. I also read on line that the adjustment for the brake is located in the center console behind the change holder. 1/2" turn counter clockwise to release. It seems that the release button/cable was not pulling hard enough to release the mechanism.
I was hoping someone would know where this spring went. I also read on line that the adjustment for the brake is located in the center console behind the change holder. 1/2" turn counter clockwise to release. It seems that the release button/cable was not pulling hard enough to release the mechanism.
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1,559 Posts
no problem glad to help! and yes your right about the adjustment behind the change holder
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