How do I turn off the automatic parking brake on my Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape uses an electronic parking brake (EPB) with an Auto Hold feature on many recent models. You generally cannot permanently disable the EPB, but you can turn off Auto Hold where supported and use the EPB switch manually for individual starts. The exact controls can vary by model year and trim, so check your owner’s manual for precise steps.

What the system does and what you can adjust

In most Escapes, the EPB is engaged electronically rather than by a traditional handbrake, and Auto Hold can keep the brakes applied after you come to a stop until you press the accelerator. The ability to disable Auto Hold or the EPB itself depends on your year/model. Some vehicles let you switch Auto Hold off via a physical button, while others require changes in the instrument cluster or touchscreen menus.

How to disable Auto Hold on compatible Ford Escapes

Before you begin, identify whether your Escape supports Auto Hold by looking for the Auto Hold indicator on the dashboard or the center console switch. The following steps cover typical setups for newer Escapes; exact paths may vary by year and trim.

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop and the engine running, locate the Auto Hold control on the center console near the gear selector or on the instrument panel.


2. Press the Auto Hold button once to turn it off. The Auto Hold indicator light on the switch or in the instrument cluster should extinguish.


3. Test the setting by moving slowly forward and stopping again to confirm Auto Hold no longer engages at a stop.


4. If your model uses a touchscreen or instrument-cluster menu instead of a dedicated switch, navigate to Settings > Vehicle > Auto Hold (or similar) and toggle Auto Hold Off. Exact menu names can vary by year; consult the manual if you can’t locate it.


5. Repeat as needed, and re-enable Auto Hold if you decide you prefer it. If you can’t find or disable Auto Hold, refer to your manual or contact a Ford dealer for model-specific steps.

Note: On some trims, permanent deactivation of the EPB itself isn’t offered to customers. The steps above focus on disabling Auto Hold rather than removing the EPB function entirely. Always verify settings after software updates or dealer visits.

Manual operation and safety considerations

Turning off Auto Hold and using the EPB switch manually can be appropriate in certain driving conditions, but it changes how the vehicle behaves at stops and on inclines. Keep these safety points in mind:

• The EPB is a safety feature designed to prevent unwanted rolling when parked or stopped on inclines. Disabling Auto Hold can increase rolling risk if you forget to apply the brake manually.


• In many model years, you cannot completely disable the EPB; you can only disable Auto Hold or adjust how and when the brakes engage in stop situations.


• If the EPB won’t release or feels stuck, do not drive the vehicle. Turn off the engine and consult a dealer or qualified technician.

For the most accurate instructions, refer to your specific year and trim’s manual, or contact a Ford dealer. Control locations and terminology can change with updates and different configurations.

Summary

Most Ford Escapes with an electronic parking brake offer a way to disable Auto Hold, either through a dedicated switch or via the vehicle’s settings menu. A full, permanent deactivation of the EPB is usually not provided to owners. Always confirm steps for your exact year and trim in the owner’s manual, and when in doubt, reach out to a Ford dealership for model-specific guidance.

How to turn off parking brake automatic?

Until the vehicle is restarted. And shifted out of neutral. Now let's look at using the automatic brake hold feature. First make sure the driver's seat belt is fastened.

How to disable Ford Escape electronic parking brake?

To disable the Ford Escape's electronic parking brake, you can use the service/maintenance mode procedure when working on the rear brakes, or simply use the Auto Hold function to release it for normal driving. To enter service mode, you will need to press the accelerator pedal, pull the EPB switch up, and cycle the ignition from OFF to ON twice within 5 seconds. To release the brake for normal driving, you can press the brake pedal and push the EPB switch to release, or shift into reverse with the brake pedal pressed, as detailed in the owner's manual. 
To put the EPB in service mode (for maintenance)
This method is for when you need to service the rear brakes. 
This video demonstrates how to put a Ford Escape in service mode for rear brake maintenance: 57sAKJeeperYouTube · Aug 24, 2025

1. Ignition ON, pedals pressed: Set the ignition to ON, but do not start the engine. Press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it. 
2. EPB switch engaged: While holding the accelerator, pull up on the electronic parking brake (EPB) switch to apply the brake. 
3. Ignition cycle: With both the accelerator and EPB switch still engaged, turn the ignition OFF, then turn it ON again within five seconds. 
4. Release: Release the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch. The system is now in maintenance mode, and the "EPB" indicator light will be illuminated, according to Brake & Front End and Facebook. 

To release the EPB for normal driving
This is the standard procedure for when you are not in service mode. 

1. Press the brake pedal: With the vehicle in Park, press the brake pedal firmly. 
2. Push the EPB switch down: At the same time, push the EPB switch down to the release position. 
3. Release the parking brake: The brake will be released, and the indicator lights will turn off. 
4. Alternative (from owner's manual): If the system is active, you can shift into reverse (R) and press the brake pedal, which will release the brake automatically, as shown in the Escape Owner's Manual. 

You can watch this video to learn how to turn the parking brake on and off in a 2018 Ford Escape: 39sDIY PintoYouTube · Jun 15, 2018
What to do if the EPB is stuck or not releasing
If the brake does not disengage, it could be due to a fault in the system. 

1. Check for faults: A warning message in the information display may indicate a system fault. 
2. Scan for codes: Use a diagnostic scanner to check for any stored ABS or brake system fault codes. 
3. Check the fuse: If the system is completely unresponsive, you can check the EPB fuse, which is typically located in the passenger-side fuse panel below the glove box, notes Reddit users. 
4. Consult a professional: If the problem persists, it's best to have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue. 

How do I turn off park assist on my Ford Escape?

To pause parking assistance at any time, release the Active Park Assist button. The vehicle stops moving until the Active Park Assist button is pushed again and held down.

How do I turn off the parking brake in my Ford?

To turn off an electronic parking brake in a Ford, press the brake pedal, turn the ignition on, and then press the electric parking brake switch down. For a manual handbrake, pull the lever up until the button on the end is released, then lower the lever. 
For electronic parking brake

• Turn the ignition on: Make sure the vehicle's ignition is in the "ON" position, but not necessarily started. 
• Press the brake pedal: Place your foot firmly on the brake pedal. 
• Press the EPB switch: Push the electronic parking brake switch down to release the brake. 
• Pull away normally: If the parking brake is fully disengaged, you can then shift into gear and accelerate normally. The warning light on the instrument cluster should turn off. 

For manual handbrake

• Press the release button: Find the button on the end of the handbrake lever and press it. 
• Lower the lever: While holding the button down, slowly and gently lower the lever all the way down. 
• Check that it's released: The lever should be fully disengaged, and if there was a light on your dashboard for the handbrake, it should now be off.