How do I release a locked parking brake?

Most locked parking brakes can be released by using the vehicle’s proper release method for your model (manual lever, foot pedal, or electronic control). If the brake resists, do not force it—seek roadside assistance or consult the owner’s manual for model-specific steps.

In this article, we explain the different types of parking brakes, how to release them safely when they’re stuck, and practical safety steps to take if you’re stranded. We’ll also cover when to escalate the situation to a professional technician.

Types of parking brakes

Understanding whether you have a manual or electronic parking brake helps determine the correct release procedure and common failure modes.

Manual handbrake (cable-driven)

The traditional lever either sits between the front seats or near the center console and uses a cable to apply the brakes. Releasing it correctly is essential to avoid cable damage or unintended movement.

1. Ensure you are in a safe, level area and keep the foot on the brake. Locate the release button on the end of the lever.


2. Press and hold the release button, then lower the lever fully to its resting position.


3. If the lever resists, try a slight upward motion while maintaining pressure on the release button, then continue lowering slowly.


4. Check that nothing is obstructing the lever or the console area and confirm the lever is completely down.


5. Test the vehicle by easing off the foot brake and attempting a gentle move in a safe area with an assistant if needed.

After the lever is released, verify that the parking brake warning light is off and the vehicle moves freely. If the lever remains stuck or fights you, do not force it; arrange for service.

Electronic parking brake (EPB) or auto-hold

EPB systems use an electric switch or lever to apply and release the brake, often with an auto-hold feature to keep the car stationary when stopped. Release procedures vary by model and may require the engine to be running.

1. With the engine on, press the brake pedal firmly and locate the EPB switch or lever.


2. Depending on the model, release the brake by either toggling the EPB switch or pressing it while the vehicle senses you intend to move (some models release automatically when you accelerate with the brake pedal engaged).


3. In some vehicles, you must shift to Park (P) or Neutral and then use the EPB switch to release; consult the owner’s manual for your exact sequence.


4. If warning lights indicate a fault or the brake remains engaged after attempting release, do not drive; there may be an electrical, hydraulic, or sensor issue requiring professional diagnosis.

Once released, recheck that the car can move smoothly and that no brake warnings remain. If the system repeatedly fails to release, contact a dealer or roadside assistance for diagnosis and repair.

What to do if the brake won’t release

If your parking brake is still locked despite following the standard procedure, take these safety-oriented steps to minimize risk and prepare for professional help.

• Turn on hazard lights and, if available, place wheel chocks on the wheels that are in contact with the ground to prevent rolling.


• Ensure the vehicle is in Park (automatic) or in Neutral with the parking brake engaged when you’re not intending to move it, and avoid driving.


• Inspect for obvious obstructions around the lever, pedal, or EPB switch, and check for warning indicators on the dash.


• Do not attempt to force a stubborn lever or jammed switch; applying excessive force can damage the braking system or cables.


• Call roadside assistance or a trusted mechanic for a safe tow or on-site service to diagnose and repair the mechanism.

These precautions help protect you from unintended movement and prevent further damage to the braking system while you await professional help.

Safety steps and when to seek professional help

Some releases are simple, but others indicate a fault that requires expert attention. Use these guidelines to judge whether you can proceed safely or need assistance.

• Always confirm the vehicle is secure before attempting to move it. Engage hazards and use wheel chocks as needed.


• Do not drive with the parking brake engaged or if you notice abnormal resistance, abnormal noises, or warning lights indicating a brake fault.


• If the brake cannot be released after several, gentle attempts, contact roadside assistance or a dealership for diagnosis and repair.

Professional technicians can diagnose mechanical binding, cable wear, EPB sensor faults, hydraulic issues, or electrical problems and perform necessary repairs to restore safe operation.

Summary

Releasing a locked parking brake depends on whether your car uses a manual lever or an electronic system. Start with the model’s standard release procedure and avoid forcing a jammed mechanism. If the brake remains engaged or you encounter warning lights, seek professional help promptly to prevent brake damage or vehicle movement risks. Regular maintenance and timely attention to warning indicators can prevent many locking issues.

Why is my brake pedal locked and the car won't start?

A locked brake pedal and a car that won't start is often caused by a dead battery or an issue with the brake system, such as a faulty brake light switch or a vacuum leak in the brake booster. Other causes can include a faulty ignition switch, a problem with the starter, or a physical obstruction. 
Potential causes and solutions 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose a seized brake caliper: 1mMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Mar 18, 2022

• Dead or weak battery: A dead battery can prevent both the brake assist (which requires vacuum) and the starter from working. 
  • Solution: Try to jump-start the car. If it starts, have the battery and charging system tested. 
• Vacuum leak in the brake booster: The brake booster uses engine vacuum to help you press the pedal. A leak means you won't have power assist, making the pedal very hard to press. 
  • Solution: Inspect the vacuum hoses for any visible damage or cracks. A professional can test the vacuum supply and the booster itself. 
• Faulty brake light switch: This switch tells the car's computer that you have your foot on the brake, which is necessary for starting. If it's not working, the system won't allow the car to start. 
  • Solution: Check the wiring to the switch. A mechanic can diagnose and replace it if needed. 
• Shift interlock issue: This prevents you from shifting the car out of park unless your foot is on the brake. If the interlock solenoid fails, it could prevent the car from starting. 
  • Solution: Try shifting the gear selector into neutral and then back to park. Some cars have a manual release for the shift lock, which is often a small switch or slot near the shift lever. 
• Physical obstruction: A floor mat or other object could be physically blocking the brake pedal from being fully pressed. 
  • Solution: Check for any foreign objects under the dashboard and around the pedals. 
• Faulty ignition switch or starter: These electrical components are essential for starting the car, and a failure can cause it to not crank. 
  • Solution: These issues require professional diagnosis and repair. 

When to seek professional help
If simple checks don't resolve the problem, or if you suspect a more complex electrical or mechanical issue, it is best to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic.

How to unlock a stuck parking brake?

To release a stuck handbrake, first try a simple method: pull the handbrake up slightly while also pressing the release button to disengage the lock. If that doesn't work, try repeatedly setting and releasing the brake, or rocking the car gently in drive and reverse. If it's still stuck, especially if due to freezing, try warming the car's engine or even using a heat gun on the cables, or physically inspect the cables underneath the car for rust and free them with a lubricant and gentle tapping. 
Simple release methods

• Press and pull: Simultaneously press the release button while lifting the handbrake lever up slightly. Sometimes, a little pull can help disengage the lock. 
• Repeated action: Repeatedly set and release the handbrake multiple times to try and break free any minor rust or ice. 
• Rock the car: If it's safe, gently shift between drive and reverse and back again while holding the release button to help loosen the brake. 

Solutions for frozen or corroded brakes 
This video shows how to release a stuck handbrake by warming up the cables: 59sCantLetHerDieDIYYouTube · Feb 5, 2023

• Warm up the car: If the brake is frozen, start the car and let it run to warm up the engine, which can help melt any ice. 
• Use a heat source: Carefully use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the brake cables and components. 
• Apply lubricant: Spray a lubricating spray on the brake cables and any rusted joints to help loosen them. 
• Tap the mechanism: Tap the brake lever arm with a hammer and screwdriver, or use a rubber mallet, to try and free it. It can be helpful to have a second person operate the lever while you tap. 

Manual release for very stuck brakes 
This video explains how to fix a stuck parking brake by accessing the cables under the car: 59s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Dec 27, 2023

• Locate the brake cable: If accessible and safe, get under the car and find the brake cable. 
• Manually release tension: You may be able to manually pull the cable to release the tension, or find a compensator to slacken it. 
• Adjust the brake shoes: On some models with rear brake drums, you can manually loosen the adjusters to help the brake shoes release, but remember they will need to be adjusted again later. 
• Consult a professional: If these steps don't work, the parking brake system may have a more serious issue like a rusted or seized cable and it is best to take the car to a mechanic. 

How to free up a locked brake?

To unseize brakes, first try rocking the car back and forth to free stuck pads, or tap the caliper or brake drum with a hammer if the issue is with the parking brake. If the problem is a seized caliper piston or slide pins, you may need to remove the wheel and caliper, clean the components, use a C-clamp to force the piston in, and then lubricate the slider pins before reassembling. 
This video demonstrates how to unstuck a seized brake caliper using a C-clamp: 58sClassic Car MaintenanceYouTube · Nov 15, 2024
For a minor seize (pads stuck to rotor) 

• Rock the car: Start the vehicle, and in a safe, open area, alternate between driving forward and reverse to free the pads from the rotor. 
• Apply and release the brakes: While rocking the car, apply and release the brake pedal multiple times. This can help release the pads. 
• Drive to clean: After the brakes are freed, drive for a short distance to help clean off any remaining corrosion from the rotors. 

This video explains how to fix a seized brake caliper using sandpaper and other basic tools: 59sDan AYPYouTube · Sep 10, 2020
For a more severe seize (caliper, drum, or parking brake) 

• Seized parking brake: If the parking brake is seized, try tapping the lever at the back of the caliper with a hammer to move it all the way back to the stop, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Seized drum brake:
  • Jack up the car and remove the wheel to access the drum. 
  • Use a hammer to hit the outer edge of the drum to jar it loose. 
  • If that fails, apply heat to the drum with a torch before hitting it again, or try using a rubber mallet. 
• Seized caliper piston:
  • Remove the wheel and caliper. You may need to disconnect the brake line, so be prepared to catch the brake fluid that leaks out. 
  • Use a C-clamp to press the piston back into the caliper housing after cleaning it. 
  • Lubricate the slide pins with a ceramic brake lubricant or silicone grease before reinstalling the caliper. 
  • Reinstall the caliper, re-check your brake fluid level, and pump the brake pedal to re-pressurize the system. 

Safety precautions

• If you are not comfortable with brake work, have a professional mechanic inspect and repair your brakes. 
• Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your brakes. 
• Use a C-clamp or a specialized brake caliper tool to avoid damaging the piston or caliper housing. 

This video shows how to remove a seized rear brake caliper with basic tools: 57sYou WrenchYouTube · Jul 8, 2020

How to manually disengage the parking brake?

To manually disengage a parking brake, first press the brake pedal, then pull the release lever or push the button for a traditional handbrake. For an electronic parking brake, you'll usually press the brake pedal and hold the switch to release it. If the brake is stuck, you may need to use a tool to physically rotate the brake caliper piston or a lever on the brake assembly, while sometimes a helper can rock the vehicle.
 
For a standard parking brake (hand lever or foot pedal)

• Press the brake pedal: Keep your foot on the regular brake pedal to prevent the car from rolling.
• Pull the release lever: For a hand lever, pull the release lever and lift the handbrake handle up as you do so.
• Release the pedal: For a foot pedal, press down on the pedal, which may require a second press to release the tension, then slowly lift your foot up. 

This video demonstrates how to manually release a standard parking brake: 58sLehewYouTube · Dec 13, 2019
For an electronic parking brake (button or switch)

• Press the brake pedal: Ensure the brake pedal is pressed down. 
• Hold the release switch: Press and hold the electronic parking brake switch to disengage it. 
• Shift into gear: You may need to have the vehicle in the correct gear (e.g., Drive or Reverse) and press the accelerator to start moving. 

This video shows how to disengage an electronic parking brake using the switch: 1mLouison Automotive Inc.YouTube · Jul 8, 2021
If the parking brake is stuck

• Apply lubricant: Spray a penetrating lubricant, like PB Blaster or WD-40, on the brake lever and mechanism behind the rear wheels. 
• Use a lever tool: Place a flathead screwdriver or similar tool on the lever arm and rock it back and forth to help release the brake. 
• Rock the vehicle: Have a helper simultaneously pull the brake release handle while you gently rock the vehicle back and forth to try and free it. 
• Manually retract the piston: If you have to get under the car, locate the brake caliper assembly behind the wheel. You may need to use a special tool or a specific method to rotate the piston back into the caliper body, as described in resources like Garage Gurus and Reddit.