Does anyone know how to turn on the automatic parking break, if such a feature exists? Page 229 of the 2019 F-150 Owner’s Manual states “Note: The electric parking brake could automatically apply when you shift into park (P). See Transmission (page 212)”. I’d like to enable this feature and have read the Transmission section multiple times but there is no reference to this.

 

2017 F-150QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE*On certain models, vehicles have an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system instead of the conventional foot pedal operated parking brake.


The operating switch is on the instrument panel to the left of the steering column.To apply the electric parking brake, pull the switch up. The brake system warning lamp flashes for about 2 seconds, and then illuminates to confirm that you applied the parking brake.There are two ways to release the electric parking brake. You can switch the ignition on, press the brake pedal and then manually press the switch down. The brake system warning lamp turns off. The second option is to have your vehicle automatically release the parking brake by closing the driver door, putting the vehicle in gear and pressing the accelerator pedal.Note: If the electric parking brake warning lamp stays on, then the electric parking brake did not automatically release. You must release the electric parking brake by pressing the switch.In a driving emergency, the EPB system can be used to brake the vehicle. Pull up and hold the electric parking brake switch to brake the vehicle. The rear brake lights turn on, a warning lamp illuminates and a warning tone sounds to tell the driver that the vehicle is emergency braking.

 

That's all good information, thanks, but it doesn't answer my question.

 

This one of the most screwed up systems. I had to supply an a unabridged list in RED in the quote, that the manual should also include.

I Hate that feature. Please give me a lever that is either on or off, under of my full control.

 

Just to be clear. I'm not asking how the electric parking brake works. I'm asking how to configure it so the parking brake automatically apply when the tranny is placed in Park.

 

I don't have the E brake so I can't help, but. I would never configure a parking brake to be automated. Too many what if's...... IMO

 

That is not a option.

 

You know, I just found smokemangrp, the OP, reference in the most recent online manual:
Note: The electric parking brake could automatically apply when you shift into park (P). See Transmission.
I followed the link and if they answered the question I didn't see it either.

All that complicated explanation about driving off without releasing the parking brake if you haven't used the brake pedal, is bad form in my opinion. I don't see allowing folks to get in start , shift and drive, especially if the parking brake is applied, is a habit I want .
Seems like "key on+brake on+shift to drive or reverse=parking brake auto release" would be preferable if they simply MUST do something.

All that explanation for something not really needed by many and nothing about a feature that might enhance safety, like "auto parking brake when shifted into park" to be totally NOT explained...baffling.
I am going back to read that section again to see if I misunderstood it, I hope I misunderstood it....

 

I don't think your going to find anything in that section both online and in print. There is no mention of automatically setting the parking brake when placing the vehicle in park in the transmission section. Not for an XLT, but it maybe available in upper trims, however it still should be in the manual if its capable of doing this.

 

I really like my e-brake. At a long stoplight, I just put it on and when the light changes a slight tap of the acc petal and it releases.

 

I guess it is a typo in the manual. The e-brake folks forgot to tell the tranny folks about the feature. Thanks for your replies. If anyone figures this out in the future, I'd still like to try it.