The electric parking brake operating switch is in the center console.
WARNING:
Switch the ignition off and apply the parking brake.
WARNING:
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, move the selector lever to first or reverse gear. If it has an automatic transmission, shift into park (P). |
Note:
When you apply the electric parking brake in certain conditions, for example, on a steep hill, the electric parking brake may reapply the brakes within three to ten minutes.
Note:
You may notice various noises when you apply and release the electric parking brake. This is normal and no cause for concern.
Parking On a Hill (Vehicles With a Manual Transmission)
If you park your vehicle facing uphill, move the transmission to first gear (1) and turn the steering wheel away from the curb. If you park your vehicle facing downhill, move the transmission to reverse (R) and turn the steering wheel toward the curb.
Applying the Electric Parking brake
WARNING:
The brake system warning lamp will flash when applying the electric parking brake. If the brake system warning lamp continues to flash there could be a problem with your electric parking brake. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING:
Applying the electric parking brake while moving will result in the engagement of the anti-lock braking system. Do not use the electric parking brake system when the vehicle is moving unless the normal brake system is unable to stop the vehicle.
WARNING:
With the exception of emergency conditions (for example, the brake pedal is broken or is blocked), do not apply the electric parking brake while the vehicle is moving. On bends, or poor road surfaces or weather conditions, emergency braking can cause the vehicle to skid out of control or off the road. |
Note:
The brake system warning lamp illuminates for ten seconds, if you switch the ignition off after you apply the electric parking brake, or you apply the electric parking brake after you switch the ignition off.
Note:
The electric parking brake will not automatically apply. You must apply the electric parking brake using the electric parking brake switch.
Pull the switch up to apply the electric parking brake.
The brake system warning lamp flashes for a few seconds and then illuminates to confirm that you have applied the electric parking brake. See
Information Displays.
If you apply the electric parking brake when your vehicle is moving, the brake system warning lamp illuminates and a warning chime sounds. See
Information Displays.
If your vehicle speed is above
6 km/h (4 mph), the braking force is applied as long as the switch is pulled. Releasing or pressing the switch or pressing the accelerator pedal will stop the braking force.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
You can release the electric parking brake either manually by pressing the switch or automatically.
Manual release
WARNING:
If the brake system warning light remains illuminated or flashes for more than four seconds after you have released the parking brake, there could be a problem with your braking system. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. |
You can manually release the electric parking brake by:
- Switching the ignition on.
- Pressing the brake pedal.
- Pressing the electric parking brake switch.
When you release the electric parking brake, the brake system warning lamp turns off.
Automatic release - drive away release
Your vehicle automatically releases the parking brake if all of the following conditions exist:
- The driver door is closed.
- The accelerator pedal is pressed.
- There are no faults detected in the parking brake system.
Note:
If the electric parking brake warning lamp stays illuminated, the electric parking brake will not automatically release. You must release the electric parking brake using the electric parking brake switch.
Note:
On manual transmission vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral (N) when you release the clutch pedal and press the accelerator pedal, the electric parking brake releases automatically.
Note:
On manual transmission vehicles, you must fully press the clutch pedal for the drive away release feature to operate. Drive as normal using the accelerator and clutch pedals and the electric parking brake will be automatically released.
The brake system warning lamp will go off to confirm that you have released the electric parking brake.
Note:
The electric parking brake drive away release makes starting on a hill easier. This feature releases the parking brake automatically when the vehicle has sufficient drive force to move up the hill. To assure drive away release when starting uphill, press the accelerator pedal quickly.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the slope and the weight of the trailer, your vehicle and trailer may roll backwards slightly when you start on a slope.
To prevent this from happening, do the following:
- Pull the switch up and hold it in this position.
- Drive your vehicle, then release the switch when you notice that the engine has developed sufficient driving force.
Battery With No Charge
WARNING:
You will not be able to apply or release the electric parking brake if the battery is low or has no charge. |
If the battery is low or has no charge, use jumper cables and a booster battery.