Emergency brake light/ding on/lever useless

[DebinNY]

Bf used the emergency brake last night on a hill and now the lever doesn't engage and the brake light and ding are on constantly. Is the cable broken somewhere or the e-brake itself? Is there a way to shut off the ding for a day until I can get it looked at? (Brake fluid is full and no sign of a leak at any wheel/new rotors and pads installed 2 months ago). Thanks Deb

[Trinity]

It's possible it broke, but it may just be bound/rusted and not releasing. This can be very bad as it can cause the back brakes to drag. (Can wear them out, warp rotors or even cause a fire) There's an easy way to find out jack the car up and then try and turn the rear wheel. Also those brakes release by pushing the peddle down a bit more and then repidly removing your foot. It should spring up. If it does not then you have an issue with the spring or the cable. If it's just broke (both rear wills spin free when jacked up) you should be able to push it down by hand and then pull it back up, a bungee or zip tie to hold it in the up position to "make" the switch that tells the computer the e-brake is released which will turn off the light and chime.

I would check to make sure the brakes are dragging immediately. If not then you can do as I suggested to get rid of the light and alert.

[bobgto65]

I had to have the parking brake assembly and cable replaced on my '02 for the same reason.

[DebinNY]

Took it in and found out that all 3 cables are rusted/broken where they connect together....wonderful...cant find parts locally.
ANDREW, do you have these cables and the connector thingy????

[harofreak00]

I do not, all rusted here too.

[DebinNY]

Anyone know where I can order them? Part numbers? I'm going to check rockauto.com other than that site I don't know where else to look...

[Trinity]

Rock has all the parts you need...

[redzmonte]

Did you try lifting up on the park brake pedal a little bit. When i use mine and then disengage it i have to use my foot to lift the pedal up and i hear a click. otherwise it wont lock back on to hold the brake.. something to try before spending money.

S

[DebinNY]

It has to be fixed to pass NY inspection ... my sticker is expired already....lol