Pinpoint Test B: Parking Brake Will Not Release

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

B1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL
- Apply and release the parking brake control.
Does the parking brake control fully release?
- Yes : GO to B2 .
- No : INSTALL a new parking brake control.
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CONTROL .
B2 ISOLATE THE FRONT BRAKE CABLE
- NOTE: The parking brake control and the front cable must be removed as an assembly.
  
  Disconnect the front parking brake cable from the rear parking brake cable equalizer.
Do the rear wheel(s) spin freely?
- Yes : INSTALL a new front parking brake cable.
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CONTROL .
- No : For drum brakes vehicles GO to B3 .
  For disc brake vehicles GO to B4.
B3 ISOLATE THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES
- Disconnect the rear parking brake cable from the rear extension cable at the affected wheel end(s).
Do the wheel(s) spin freely?
- Yes : INSTALL new rear parking brake cables.
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CABLE - VEHICLES WITH: REAR DRUM BRAKES .
- No : GO to B5.
B4 ISOLATE THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES
- Disconnect the rear parking brake cable from the rear brake caliper at the affected wheel end(s).
Do the wheel(s) spin freely?
- Yes : INSTALL new rear parking brake cables.
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CABLE - VEHICLES WITH: REAR DISC BRAKES .
- No : INSPECT the rear brake components on the affected wheel end(s). INSTALL new rear brake components as necessary and ADJUST the parking brake cables.
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT - VEHICLES WITH: REAR DISC BRAKES .
  
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT - VEHICLES WITH: REAR DRUM BRAKES .
B5 ISOLATE THE REAR EXTENSION CABLES
- Remove the brake drum on the affected wheel end(s).
  REFER to: BRAKE DRUM .
- Disconnect the rear extension cable from the brake shoe actuator lever on the affected wheel end(s) and while holding the rear cable conduit, attempt to slide the rear cable inside the conduit.
Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?
- Yes : The parking brake system is operating normally at this time. The concern may have been cause by a seized or binding rear brake component. INSPECT the rear brake components. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. If the rear brake components are OK, CLEAN and LUBRICATE the brake backing plate.
  REFER to: BRAKE SHOES .
  
  ADJUST the parking brake cables.
  
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT - VEHICLES WITH: REAR DRUM BRAKES .
- No : INSTALL new rear extension cables as necessary.
  ADJUST the parking brake cables.
  
  REFER to: PARKING BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT - VEHICLES WITH: REAR DRUM BRAKES .