Park Brake Will Not Release
Park Brake Will Not Release
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
Circuit/System Description
The park brake system uses a pair of solenoids to set or release the park brake pedal. These solenoids are powered by relays which are commanded ON and OFF by the body control module (BCM). When the gear shift lever is taken out of Park or Neutral, the BCM simultaneously activates both solenoids to release the park brake pedal. The release solenoid remains activated until the gear shift lever is in Park or Neutral, the engine is OFF and the park brake switch is closed.
Diagnostic Aids
With the park brake pedal applied, observe the red brake warning indicator, if not illuminated refer to Brake Warning Indicator Malfunction (Brake Warning Indicator Malfunction).
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Park Brake System Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Park Brake System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information.
Circuit/System Verification
Ignition ON, command the Park Brake Solenoid Relay A ON and OFF with a scan tool. Feel/Listen for the park brake release relay turning ON and OFF.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the Park Brake Release Relay.
2. Test for less than 2.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C1 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Test for less than 2.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C5 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
4. Disconnect the harness connector at the Park Brake Pedal Assembly.
5. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the park brake pedal assembly B+ circuit terminal A and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test or replace the park brake release solenoid.
6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal C3 and B+.
• If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground.
7. Connect the harness connector at the park brake pedal assembly.
8. Connect a 3 A fused jumper between the ground circuit C3 and the control circuit terminal C5. Verify the park brake release relay is activated.
• If it does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the park brake release solenoid.
9. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal C2 and the ground circuit terminal C1.
10. Command the Park Brake Solenoid A ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the park brake release relay.
Component Testing
Park Brake Release Relay
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the Park Brake Release Relay.
2. Test for 0-2 ohms between terminals C2 and C1.
• If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.
3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
* C2 and C5
* C3 and C5
* C2 and C3
* C2 and C1
• If not the specified value, replace the relay.
4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal C2 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal C1 and ground. Test for less than 2.0 ohms between terminals C3 and C5.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Parking Brake Lever Pedal Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Park Brake Release Solenoid Replacement (Park Brake Release Solenoid Replacement)
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup, and programming.