Pinpoint Test B: The Parking Brake Will Not Release

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

B1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL RELEASE HANDLE AND CABLE
- Verify that the release handle and cable are connected to the parking brake control.
- Are the release handle and cable connected?
Yes : GO to B2.

No : CONNECT the handle and cable, then TEST the system for normal operation.
B2 CHECK THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES
- Disconnect the RH cable from the LH conduit equalizer, then disconnect the LH cable from the front cable.
  
  Fig 1: Locating RH Cable From LH Conduit Equalizer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Release the rear parking brake cables from the bracket assembly.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Parking Brake Cable At LH Bracket Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Rotate the rear parking brake cables 90 degrees to release them from the parking brake actuating levers.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Parking Brake Actuating Levers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- While holding the rear cable conduit, attempt to slide the rear cable inside the conduit.
- Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?
Yes : GO to B3.

No : INSTALL a new rear cable. REFER to PARKING BRAKE CABLE - LH or PARKING BRAKE CABLE - RH in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
B3 CHECK THE REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES AND HARDWARE
- Remove the rear brake disc, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .
- Inspect the parking brake shoes, hardware and backing plate.
- Are the shoes, hardware and backing plate in good condition?
Yes : GO to B4.

No : INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
B4 ISOLATE THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE

Press the retaining tabs and disconnect the front parking brake conduit from the parking brake control bracket.
Push the front parking brake conduit grommet through the body.
Verify that the front cable conduit can slide freely on the cable.
Does the conduit slide freely on the cable?

Yes : INSTALL a new parking brake control. REFER to PARKING BRAKE CONTROL in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.

No : INSTALL a new front cable. TEST the system for normal operation.