Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

The parking brake warning indicator can be actuated by the parking brake control. It warns the driver to release the parking brake control before driving the vehicle. If the indicator remains on, a brake malfunction has occurred.

The automatic (vacuum) release-type is standard equipment on all vehicles.

The automatic vacuum-type parking brake system has a vacuum power unit with mounting bracket bolted to the control assembly. The vacuum-actuated diaphragm within the unit is connected by a rod to the upper end of the release lever.

Hoses connect the vacuum motor to the engine man fold through a vacuum release switch at the steering column.

The vacuum motor is actuated to release the parking brake whenever the engine is running and the transmission is in a forward driving gear.

The automatic parking brake control has a manual release feature. To release the foot control, after being applied in the normal manner, apply force to the parking brake control pedal in the apply direction, to the point of initial application. Removal of this force will allow the foot control to return to full release position.