How do you turn off the parking brake on a 2017 Ford Escape?
To release the electronic parking brake on a 2017 Ford Escape, depress the brake pedal and push the electronic parking brake (EPB) switch down on the center console. The switch is usually located to the left of the gear shifter, and the dash indicator will turn off when it is released.
Understanding the electronic parking brake in the 2017 Escape
The 2017 Escape uses an electronic parking brake (EPB) rather than a traditional hand lever. It works in tandem with Auto Hold, which can keep the vehicle stationary after you come to a stop and release the brake once you press the accelerator.
How to safely release the parking brake
Follow these steps to disengage the EPB while staying in control of the vehicle. The EPB switch is located on the center console near the gear selector and is marked with a P symbol.
- With the engine running or the ignition in the on position, keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
- Push the EPB switch downward (toward the floor) until you feel/hear the brake release and the parking brake indicator on the dashboard goes off.
- Gently press the accelerator to move the vehicle, or simply release the brake pedal if Auto Hold is not active. If Auto Hold is enabled, the car may release automatically when you press the accelerator.
- Verify that the parking brake warning light is off and you are free to drive.
In most configurations, a fully released EPB will allow normal starting and acceleration without any extra steps beyond pressing the brake pedal and the EPB switch.
Auto Hold and its role in the release process
Auto Hold keeps the brakes engaged after you come to a stop, then releases them automatically when you press the accelerator. On models with Auto Hold, you may notice a slight delay before the vehicle begins to move as the system disengages. If Auto Hold is disabled, you’ll rely solely on pressing the accelerator to move after the EPB is released.
Troubleshooting and what to do if the EPB won’t release
If the parking brake remains engaged or the indicator light stays on after attempting a release, try the following steps before seeking service.
- Ensure the transmission is not in Park and that you have firmly pressed the brake pedal before attempting to release the EPB.
- Make sure you push the EPB switch fully down until you hear or feel a release; a partial press can fail to disengage the brake.
- Check the instrument cluster for the parking brake light; it should turn off once the brake is released.
- If the light remains on or you cannot release the brake after multiple attempts, the EPB system may have a fault or sensor issue and should be diagnosed by a Ford technician.
If you continue to experience problems, stop in a safe location and contact a Ford dealer or qualified mechanic. Driving with a malfunctioning EPB can compromise safety and may lead to further damage.
Summary
In a nutshell, turning off the parking brake on a 2017 Ford Escape involves depressing the brake pedal and pushing the electronic parking brake switch down on the center console. The dash indicator should go off, and you can move when ready. If Auto Hold is active, the car may release automatically when you press the accelerator. For any issues where the brake won’t release, consult the owner’s manual and seek professional service if needed.
How to take Ford Escape out of brake service mode?
To turn off the park brake maintenance mode on a Ford Escape, reverse the procedure used to engage it: with the ignition on, hold the accelerator pedal down, and while holding the parking brake switch up (pulling) and the accelerator pedal down, cycle the ignition from off to on. You may need to repeat this a few times.
Steps to exit maintenance mode
This video demonstrates how to put a Ford Escape into service mode to do the rear brakes without a newer scan tool: 1:31Michael PfefferFacebook · Oct 29, 2024
- Ensure the vehicle is in park and the ignition is on. You do not need to start the engine.
- Press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it.
- While holding the accelerator pedal, pull and hold the parking brake switch up to release it.
- With the pedals and switch held, cycle the ignition from the off position to the on position, and then back to off.
- Release the accelerator pedal and the parking brake switch.
- If the system is not out of maintenance mode, repeat the process.
- Once the yellow parking brake indicator light turns off and the message center no longer shows the maintenance mode, the system should be reset and you can test the brakes.
If the system remains in maintenance mode
- Check the switch: A faulty parking brake switch or poor wiring can prevent the system from deactivating. You may need to inspect these components for damage or loose connections.
- Use a scan tool: A compatible OBD-II scanner may be able to clear the error codes and reset the system.
- Cycle the brake pedal: After releasing the accelerator and EPB switch, try pressing the brake pedal a few times to see if it resets the system.
- Check the module: If all else fails, there may be a fault with the parking brake control module. A Ford service manual or a qualified mechanic can help diagnose and fix this issue.
How to turn off electronic parking brake Ford?
To disengage a Ford's electronic parking brake, press the brake pedal, then push down on the parking brake switch until the indicator light turns off. For maintenance mode, turn the ignition on, press the accelerator and hold the parking brake switch down, turn the ignition off, and then turn it back on within five seconds while still holding the accelerator and switch.
To manually disengage the parking brake
- Press the brake pedal.
- Push down on the electronic parking brake switch.
- Hold the switch until the indicator light on the instrument panel turns off.
- The vehicle can also automatically disengage if you are in a forward or reverse gear, accelerate, and the driver's door is closed.
This video demonstrates how to turn on and off the electronic parking brake on a Ford Escape: 39sDIY PintoYouTube · Jun 15, 2018
To put the electronic parking brake in service/maintenance mode
- Note: This procedure is for when you need to service the rear brakes and should only be performed if you are certain the vehicle is in a safe area and you know what you are doing. For specific instructions, refer to your owner's manual.
- Set the ignition to the "ON" position (engine can be on or off).
- Press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
- Pull the parking brake switch up and hold it.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Turn the ignition ON again within 5 seconds, continuing to hold the accelerator and parking brake switch.
- The electronic parking brake will then be deactivated, and a maintenance message may appear on the dashboard.
- Release the accelerator pedal and parking brake switch.
This video shows how to put the electronic parking brake of a Ford F150 into maintenance mode: 59sShaners Mechanic LifeYouTube · Jul 23, 2022
How to turn off parking brake 2017 Ford Escape?
To turn off the parking brake on a 2017 Ford Escape, turn the ignition to the "on" position, press the brake pedal, and then press the electric parking brake switch down and hold it. For a manual transmission, simply releasing the clutch and pressing the accelerator will disengage the brake automatically.
This video demonstrates how to turn the parking brake on and off: 1mDIY PintoYouTube · Jun 15, 2018
For automatic transmission
- Turn the ignition to the "on" position (without starting the engine).
- Press down firmly on the brake pedal.
- Press the electric parking brake switch down and hold it until the parking brake releases.
For manual transmission
- As you drive away, the electric parking brake will automatically release when you press the clutch pedal and press the accelerator pedal.
What to do if the brake does not release
- If the warning lamp stays illuminated after trying to release it, the brake will not release automatically. You will need to use the manual release method described above.
- If it still doesn't release, try applying and releasing the switch multiple times to reset the system.
Why is my parking brake not releasing Ford Escape?
If your Ford Escape's emergency brake is stuck, first try repeatedly engaging and releasing the brake or rocking the vehicle back and forth. If that doesn't work, especially for models with an electronic parking brake (EPB), check the EPB fuse and wiring, or disconnect the battery to reset the system. If these methods fail, you may need professional help to diagnose issues like a seized cable or a faulty actuator.
Initial steps for a stuck parking brake
This video demonstrates how to release a stuck parking brake: 27sDespair RepairYouTube · Aug 27, 2023
- Cycle the brake: Try setting and releasing the parking brake multiple times. You can also try shifting the car between drive and reverse a few times while doing this.
- Rock the vehicle: If the car can move slightly, try gently rocking it back and forth. This can sometimes free a corroded or frozen brake.
- Manually operate the lever: If you can safely get under the car, you can try manually pulling the parking brake cables to help release them.
- Try pulling up on the lever: Some owners find that pulling up slightly on the lever before pressing the release button can help free it.
Steps for an electronic parking brake (EPB)
This video shows how to enter brake service mode on certain Ford models, which can be helpful for troubleshooting: 1mNoNonsenseKnowHowYouTube · Jan 8, 2020
- Reset the system: Cycle the ignition on and off and gently press and release the brake pedal while toggling the EPB switch.
- Check the fuse: Find the fuse for the parking brake system and inspect it and its wiring for damage or corrosion.
- Disconnect the battery: Disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes can sometimes reset the electronic parking brake module.
When to seek professional help
This video explains how to diagnose a stuck parking brake: 51s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Dec 24, 2020
If the above methods don't work, the problem may be more serious and require professional attention.
- Seized components: A stuck brake is often caused by a seized or rusted parking brake cable or a faulty brake caliper.
- Faulty actuator: For electronic systems, the actuator motor could be jammed or malfunctioning.
- Diagnostic trouble codes: A mechanic can use a diagnostic scanner to read error codes, which will provide more specific information about the fault.
- Professional diagnosis: A mechanic can properly diagnose and replace any faulty parts, such as the actuator or cables.
