How do you manually disengage an electric parking brake?

Manual disengagement of an electric parking brake is not something a driver should attempt. The correct procedure is model-specific and designed to be performed by trained technicians using diagnostic tools. This article explains why and what to do instead, with safety-focused guidance and guidance on seeking professional help.

What is an electric parking brake and how it differs

The electric parking brake (EPB) replaces the traditional handbrake with an electronic switch that applies or releases the brake at the rear wheels. It often auto-releases when you move the car and may integrate with hill-start assist, ABS, and stability control systems. The exact mechanism and the release sequence vary by make and model, so there is no single universal “manual release” procedure for all vehicles.

Why manual release isn't advised for drivers

Because EPB systems are highly model-specific and electronically controlled, attempting a DIY manual release can cause damage, create a safety risk, or void warranties. The following points explain why professionals handle EPB releases rather than drivers:

• Model-specific release methods: different vehicles use different steps, tools, and sequences


• Risk of braking system damage: improper force or sequence can harm calipers, cables, or electronic controllers


• Safety and warranty considerations: improper DIY work can void warranties or trigger recalls

Ultimately, if the EPB is failing or stuck, the safest path is professional diagnosis and repair using the manufacturer’s procedures and equipment.

What to do if your EPB won't release

If the electric parking brake fails to release, prioritize safety and avoid forcing the system. The guidance below is general and should be supplemented by the vehicle’s owner manual and a qualified technician.

• Assess the situation: note any warning messages, lights, and any accompanying symptoms such as unusual pedal feel or noises


• Do not attempt to force a manual release or drive the vehicle with the EPB engaged or jammed


• Move only if you are in a safe location; contact roadside assistance or arrange a tow to a repair facility


• Provide the technician with the vehicle’s details (VIN, model, year) and a description of the issue and any fault codes

In many models, the manual release (if present) is intended for service use and requires specific tools and instructions. Drivers should never perform a manual release without consulting the owner’s manual or a technician.

What to tell your mechanic or dealership

• Exact symptoms: when the EPB engages or fails to release, and any irregular pedal or switch behavior


• Warning lights or messages on the dashboard


• Recent electrical work, battery health, or software updates that could affect the EPB

A technician will run a diagnostic check, retrieve fault codes, and follow the vehicle-specific release procedure to restore safe operation while preserving safety standards and warranty coverage.

Emergency release considerations (model-specific)

Some vehicles may offer an emergency release procedure intended for service use. If your car’s owner manual documents such a procedure, it must be performed exactly as described and typically only with proper tools and knowledge. If you are unsure, do not attempt it—call a professional.

Summary

Electric parking brakes are safety-critical, model-specific systems. Do not attempt to manually disengage them without the correct manufacturer procedure and tools. When in doubt, seek professional assistance from a dealership or roadside service, and always follow your vehicle’s owner manual for model-specific guidance.

In the end, the safest path is professional diagnosis and repair that respects the design and safety features of your specific vehicle.

Can you manually release an electronic parking brake?

Yes, an electronic parking brake can be manually released, but it is a more complex process than releasing a standard cable brake and often requires mechanical intervention. While most systems have a manual release switch, this method involves safely jacking up the vehicle, removing the caliper motor, and manually retracting the caliper piston to release the brake, which can allow the vehicle to be moved without a tow. 
Manual release methods
For routine use

• Use the switch: Most electronic parking brakes can be released by pulling and holding the manual switch while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal, especially if the vehicle is running, says FenderBender.com. 
• Engage and disengage: For some systems, repeatedly applying and releasing the brake by using the switch might help free a stuck brake. 

For brake jobs or system failure

• Jack up the vehicle: Safely lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. 
• Remove the caliper motor: Locate the motor on the caliper and remove the bolts holding it in place. Do not unplug it yet. 
• Manually retract the piston: Use a socket to turn the caliper piston adjustment bolt (turning to the right) to push the piston back into the caliper, releasing the brake. 
• Reverse the process: After finishing the brake job, reinstall the motor, re-bolt it, and then apply the parking brake a few times while the vehicle is running. This allows the system to relearn the correct position and will usually clear any error codes. 

Important safety considerations

• Consult your owner's manual: Always check your vehicle's manual before attempting any manual release. Some systems have specific instructions for use and failure modes. 
• Do not unplug the motor without turning the piston: Some systems are very sensitive to being unplugged without the piston being retracted first. Some systems are not designed to have their motors unplugged, so be careful not to damage your brake system. 
• If the system has failed due to a dead battery, you may not be able to manually release the brake: In such cases, try using a jump start or a boost pack to get power to the EPB system, says a Reddit user. 

1:30How to retract an electronic parking brake without a scan tool….. full video ...FacebookMy Mobile Mechanic / Auto Repair & Brake Replacement. · 1y 1:01Subaru Electronic Parking BrakeYouTubeAlex Prestigiacomo · 3y 0:57How to Retract Electronic Parking BrakeYouTubeInnova Electronics · 1y 0:51It’s Tech Tip Tuesday with Mathew Cox!! 🙌 This week it’s a quick video ...FacebookSterling Subaru · 4y 0:22help, car will not release parking brake : r/CartalkRedditStoinkeyCheeze · 3y 0:28How To Release A Stuck Parking Brake?YouTubeDespair Repair · 2y (function(){
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How do you manually release a stuck parking brake?

To manually release a parking brake, first ensure the vehicle is secure, then find the release mechanism, which is either a button on a lever or a pull cable, and activate it while lowering the lever or pulling the cable. For an electronic parking brake (EPB), you may need to pull a manual release switch or a lever under the dash.
 
This video demonstrates how to manually release a standard lever-type parking brake: 46sHelpful DIYYouTube · May 30, 2022
For a manual parking brake (lever or foot pedal)

• Secure the vehicle: Make sure the vehicle is in park (automatic) or neutral (manual) and press the brake pedal before disengaging the brake. 
• Locate the release: Find the lever between the front seats or the foot pedal near the driver's feet. 
• Press the button: If you have a hand lever, press and hold the release button on the end of the lever. 
• Lower the lever: While holding the button, slowly lower the lever all the way down. 
• Pull the cable: If the release is a foot pedal, pull the release lever, which is often located under the dash and connected to a cable, to disengage the brake. 

For an electronic parking brake (EPB)

• Check the manual release: Some vehicles have a manual pull lever or switch located under the dash or near the center console to release the EPB. 
• Press the release switch: If you have one, pull and hold the manual switch while pressing the brake pedal to release the brake. 
• Try a gentle pull: If the automatic release isn't working, try pulling on the manual release lever gently until the brake disengages. 

This video shows how to manually release a stuck electronic parking brake: 58sRevive My RideYouTube · Jul 7, 2024
If the parking brake is stuck

• Rock the car: If the brake is stuck, try a gentle rocking motion by shifting between drive and reverse while applying light pressure on the accelerator. 
• Use a release tool: If the release mechanism is broken, locate the release cable under the driver's side of the vehicle and manually push up on the lever it connects to. 

You can watch this video to learn how to release a parking brake if the release cable is broken: 52sSimple TasksYouTube · Nov 3, 2024

What to do if the electronic parking brake will not disengage?

To release a stuck electronic parking brake, try driving forward while gently applying light acceleration as you disengage the brake. If that fails, try a power reset by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. For manual release, you may need to remove the motor on the caliper and turn the piston with a tool like an M8 spline or socket. 
This video demonstrates how to manually release an electronic parking brake by accessing the motor behind the caliper: 59sO'Rileys AutosYouTube · Nov 20, 2020
Before you begin

• Check for simple causes: A frozen brake (common in cold weather) or a weak battery can cause issues. 
• Safety first: Ensure the vehicle is in a safe location and you know how to use the jack and jack stands properly if you need to lift the vehicle. 
• Consult your manual: Always check your car's owner's manual for specific instructions on your model, as procedures can vary. 

Method 1: Gentle driving and power reset 

1. Accelerate lightly: While the car is in park, hold the parking brake switch. Then, gently press the accelerator and attempt to disengage the brake. 
2. Rock the car (use with caution): If safe, try shifting between drive and reverse while gently pressing the brake pedal, this may help to loosen a rusted or frozen brake. 
3. Disconnect the battery: Turn the car off, disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes, and then reconnect it. This can sometimes reset the EPB system. 

This video shows how to release an electronic parking brake without a special tool: 53sGerard BurkeYouTube · Oct 4, 2020
Method 2: Manual release (for experienced users)

1. Raise and support the vehicle: Safely lift and support the rear of the vehicle so the rear wheels are off the ground. 
2. Locate the EPB motor: Find the electronic parking brake motor on the rear brake caliper. 
3. Remove the motor: Unbolt the motor from the caliper but do not unplug the electrical connector yet. 
4. Manually turn the piston: Use an M8 spline socket or an M8 triple square bit to turn the piston on the back of the caliper to retract it. You will likely have to turn it left (counter-clockwise). 
5. Reassemble: Reinstall the motor and secure the bolts, ensuring the O-ring is in good condition before reassembly. 

You can watch this video to learn how to manually retract the piston on an electronic parking brake caliper: 59s⚙️Homie Hektor⚙️YouTube · Apr 10, 2019
Method 3: Using a battery to power the motor

1. Raise and support the vehicle: Lift the rear of the car so the wheels are off the ground. 
2. Remove the motor: Unbolt the EPB motor but leave the electrical connector attached to it. 
3. Connect the battery: Use jumper wires to connect a 12V battery (like a car battery or a 9V battery) to the electrical connector on the motor. 
4. Find the correct polarity: Touch the positive and negative terminals to the motor's contacts to find the correct polarity that will retract the piston. The piston will retract once you find the right combination. 

This video shows how to use a 9V battery to power the electronic parking brake motor: 47sFCP EuroYouTube · Dec 15, 2021

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

A locked brake pedal and a car that won't start are often caused by a dead battery or issues with the brake-assist system, like a vacuum leak. Less common causes include a faulty brake light switch, a problem with the shift interlock, or even a simple obstruction like a floor mat. 
This video explains how to diagnose and potentially fix issues with your brake light switch: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Oct 12, 2020
Common causes and how to address them

• Dead or weak battery: This is the most common cause. A dead battery will prevent the car from starting and may affect the power-assisted brakes, making the pedal hard to push. 
  • What to do: Try to jump-start the car. If it starts, drive it immediately to a mechanic to have the battery and charging system checked. 
• Vacuum leak in the brake booster: The brake booster uses engine vacuum to help you push the pedal. If the vacuum line is broken or leaking, the pedal will become very stiff and hard to press. 
  • What to do: Inspect the vacuum hoses connected to the brake booster for any visible cracks or disconnection. If the hose appears fine, the booster itself may be faulty. 
• Faulty brake light switch or shift interlock: Many modern cars require you to press the brake pedal to start the engine. If the brake light switch is not working correctly, the car's computer may not recognize that you are pressing the brake, preventing it from starting. 
  • What to do: Check that the brake lights are working. If they are not, the switch is likely the issue. Sometimes, a simple reset can be done by briefly disconnecting the battery. 

Other potential issues

• Obstruction: A floor mat that has slipped out of place can physically block the brake pedal. 
• Blown fuse: A blown fuse for the brake light switch or other related systems can cause this issue. 
• Mechanical problem: A rusted parking brake or a problem with the starter motor could also be the cause. 

This video shows how to replace a brake booster if that is the problem: 1mMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Mar 18, 2022
When to seek professional help
If you've checked for simple issues like an obstruction or a dead battery and the problem persists, it's best to have the vehicle towed to a professional. A mechanic can properly diagnose the issue, which may involve checking the starter, the brake light switch, or the vacuum system to prevent further damage.