Emergency Pedal Stuck

[Ryoku75]

I have an 85 Marquis and the E-Brakes stuck, putting the car in D or 1 wont release them, and the manual release switch doesn't seem to do it either.

Is there a spring thats worn out? Wheres it located?

[sly]

check the linkage on the brake release handle and follow it back to the parking brake levers. If it's not connected properly, nothing will work. If it is connected properly, check the return spring on the levers and see if it's busted. You can also try pulling the brake release handle and lifting the pedal to see if the spring is busted.

[Ryoku75]

The manual release does work but I dont think that the pedal is hooked up to the rear brakes, chances are the linkage got old, research shows that to be a common problem with these.

The pedal itself goes down without making any audible sounds in the back brakes, it feels loose (you shake it a bit by hand), I'll tackle this once the wipers\blinkers are working again.

[mashaffer]

On my CP I had a parking brake fail to release. After having it flat bedded to the mechanic all he had to do was reach under the car and wiggle the sheath and it released. Haven't go any farther to diagnose what is causing the hang up, I just don't use the parking brake.

mike

[gadget73]

the cables rust and seize if you don't use them. Basically use it often, or never use it. Random use will cause you problems.

[89TownCar]

I almost ALWAYS use my parking brake even if theres an ever-so slight incline. if my transmission has to rest the cars weight on the locking gear then I use the parking brake. Helps keep stress off the transmission too

[slack]

the cables rust and seize if you don't use them. Basically use it often, or never use it. Random use will cause you problems.

Yep. This happened to me when I owned my '91 GMQ. I parked on a steep hill so I used my parking brake (rare, Long Island is very flat) and the thing seized up. I ended up having to cut the cable and tie it up under the car to get home.

[johnunit]

Yeah, seized emergency brakes happen a lot on drum 8.8" rears.


FYI, Rockauto had all the e-brake cables up for like 10 bucks total last I checked. It was a closeout and I bought 3 of one of them though, so I don't know if that's still available.