E-brake wont disengage
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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E-brake wont disengage
got a problem, i pull the ebrake release on my 2000 ford ranger (5 speed, 120kms) and it clicks back and the light goes off but the brakes are still engaged. its done this once before when it was about -10 degrees outside, and the other day we had a blizzard. im wondering if the coldness is a factor of my e-brake not disengaging.
any help please!
thanks
any help please!
thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
It sounds like you have a frozen brake cable or you have a brake shoe(s) frozen to the drum, both due to water/moisture. Try to determine which it is by visual inspection. Once you find the frozen compontnt, a hair dryer will provide enough heat to thaw the component. It's never a good idea to use parking brakes in freezing weather; much better to park where there is no need to use them or where you can point the front tires in a way that damage is minimized if the vehicle rolled (manual tranny).
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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I wish I would have known this a long time ago. I have had to replace the e-brake cable probably three times and I just thought it was a cheap piece of equipment. Why don't dealers tell their customers that this can happen?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
In your manual it briefly says not to use the E-brake in freezing conditions because the brakes can freeze to the pads. Dealers just want to sell you vehicles. What you do after that is no concern of theirs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 576
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From: crete, illinois
in the future, just roll back and forth, that usually will free 'em up. trailer brakes do the same thing all the time, just gotta get 'em movin.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
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From: Friendswood, Texas
Originally Posted by saint99
thanks for the advice, i put the truck in the garage, thawed the brakes and it disengaged. learned something new! thank you everyone
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
In most conditions, leaving it in First/Reverse will hold it just fine. Few situations actually require the use of the E-brake.
EDIT: Sorry, Park for you auto guys lol.
Wasn't a problem in the Dallas area either...but it froze today, finally, so I didn't and won't use it. Then again, no real reason to. I'm sitting at school right now watching sleet fall out the window. Teacher's Aide is a great class!
EDIT: Sorry, Park for you auto guys lol.
Wasn't a problem in the Dallas area either...but it froze today, finally, so I didn't and won't use it. Then again, no real reason to. I'm sitting at school right now watching sleet fall out the window. Teacher's Aide is a great class!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 3
From: Friendswood, Texas
Depends on where you live. In flat areas like Houston, I agree that the engine tranny combo will hold if left in gear and you are probably going to be fine. In areas with slightly more challenging topography, I wouldn't think of parking without the e-brake, even an auotmatic.
I almost always use the parking brake when parking a vehicle with a manual tranny. Mostly habit I guess but I believe it to be a good practice. I rarely use the parking brake in vehicles with an auotmatic transmision. Again, mostly habit but in this case a bad one in my opinion. Using the parking brake takes load off of the transmission when parked. Good idea to use it all of the time. I shall resolve to do better with when parking automatics.
I almost always use the parking brake when parking a vehicle with a manual tranny. Mostly habit I guess but I believe it to be a good practice. I rarely use the parking brake in vehicles with an auotmatic transmision. Again, mostly habit but in this case a bad one in my opinion. Using the parking brake takes load off of the transmission when parked. Good idea to use it all of the time. I shall resolve to do better with when parking automatics.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I live in a pretty much level area NE of Dallas. I have the habit of engaing my mom's parking brake every time I park, but it's worn out and won't hold the vehicle at idle to begin with...
I don't worry about it with autos, but older manuals it can present a problem in hilly areas.
I choose not to wear on my e-brake unless necessary. I'll engage it idling in neutral or on a bad hill of course, but I like to be as gentle as I can on it.
I don't worry about it with autos, but older manuals it can present a problem in hilly areas.
I choose not to wear on my e-brake unless necessary. I'll engage it idling in neutral or on a bad hill of course, but I like to be as gentle as I can on it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
If you can explain how, I would love to. It'll go to the floor with no effort. You put it in Drive, Reverse, whatever, it rolls away. In neutral I can push it.
It's a 2000 Silverado with the 5.3L if that makes a difference. Auto.
It's a 2000 Silverado with the 5.3L if that makes a difference. Auto.
