Parking Brake and Actuation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ABS module monitors and controls the parking brake system. The ABS module sends a reference voltage to the parking brake switch. When the driver moves the parking brake switch to the APPLY position, the reference voltage is sent back to the ABS module indicating an APPLY request. The ABS module then determines from sensor inputs if the parking brakes can be applied and sends voltage to the parking brake actuator motors. Once the parking brakes are fully applied, the ABS module sends a message to the IPC which illuminates the red BRAKE warning indicator. If the red BRAKE warning indicator is already illuminated due to a non-parking brake concern, the IPC displays PARK BRAKE APPLIED in the message center. When the driver moves the parking brake switch to the RELEASE position, the reference voltage is sent back to the ABS module indicating a RELEASE request. The ABS module then determines from sensor inputs and CAN messages (ignition state and brake pedal input) if the parking brakes can be released and sends voltage to the parking brake actuator motors. Once the parking brakes are fully released, the ABS module sends a message to the IPC which extinguishes the red BRAKE warning indicator. If the red BRAKE warning indicator cannot be extinguished due to a non-parking brake concern, the IPC displays PARK BRAKE RELEASED in the message center.

Automatic Release

The parking brake is designed to automatically release under the following circumstances:

the driver door must be closed.
the driver safety belt must be fastened (vehicles built before July 2015).
the engine must be running.
the transmission must be in any forward gear or REVERSE.

Once all the conditions have been met, the parking brake releases automatically when the accelerator pedal is pressed. A vehicle driving away up an incline requires more accelerator pedal input than a vehicle driving away down an incline.