Park Brake System Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Plastic coated park brake cables do not need periodic lubrication.

Coated park brake cables are used to reduce apply effort and increase corrosion protection. The cables are coated with a plastic material which slides against nylon seals inside the conduit end fittings.

The park brake lever has an indicator switch which closes when the park brake is set, thus illuminating the Red BRAKE lamp.

Park brake lever/cable adjustment is automatic. Cycling the lever 2 to three times should result in properly adjusting the park brake after disabling it for service.

Park brake application is completely independent of the hydraulic brake system. The park brake system is a mechanical system which operates the rear disc brakes through the calipers. The system is activated by depressing the park brake pedal, which applies the rear disc brakes via cables. When the park brake is set and the ignition switch is on, the BRAKE warning lamp on the instrument panel will be on. The park brake is released by pushing the pedal down until a click is heard and then releasing. The pedal will click again and the BRAKE lamp in the instrument panel will go out when the park brake system is fully released.