Where is the parking brake on a truck?
The parking brake is typically located in one of three places: a traditional hand lever between the front seats, a foot pedal on the far left of the driver’s footwell, or an electronic parking brake switch on the center console or dash. This layout varies by model and trim, so it’s best to identify your specific truck’s setup.
Common configurations in modern trucks
Trucks use three primary parking brake configurations. Here is how you can spot each one and what to expect when engaging or releasing it.
Traditional hand-lever parking brake
This older, mechanical system uses a cable connected to a lever you pull up to engage. It’s still common on base-trim or older models.
- Location: typically between the two front seats, near the center console.
- Engaging: pull the lever upward until you feel resistance and hear/feel a click.
- Releasing: press the release button at the end of the lever and lower it slowly while applying the foot brake if needed.
Note: Some models require you to press a release latch while lowering the lever.
Foot pedal parking brake
A dedicated pedal on the far left of the driver's footwell acts as the parking brake. This setup is more common on older trucks or certain work-oriented trims.
- Location: a small pedal near the brake pedal on the far left side.
- Engaging: press the pedal down until it engages (you may hear a ratchet or feel it hold).
- Releasing: depress the brake pedal and lift or release the foot pedal as instructed by the vehicle’s design.
Careful: In some models the pedal is disabled unless the transmission is in Park or certain conditions are met.
Electronic parking brake (EPB)
- Location examples: center console between the front seats, lower dash near the steering column, or integrated with the gear selector area in some models.
- Engaging: toggle or press the EPB switch to engage; some vehicles require a specific sequence such as lifting a cover before pressing the switch.
- Releasing: typically, with the brake pedal applied, press or toggle the EPB switch to release. In many models, the system will also release automatically when you apply the accelerator or shift into gear, depending on the design.
Tip: Look for an illuminated P symbol on the instrument cluster when the EPB is active. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for your exact model.
How to identify the system in your truck
Since layouts vary by make, model, and year, use these checks to confirm which parking brake your truck uses:
- Inspect the area between the front seats for a lever, or scan the footwell on the far left for a pedal.
- Check the center console and dash area for a small switch or button labeled with a P or “EPB.”
- Turn on the ignition slowly and watch the instrument cluster for a parking brake indicator when you engage or disengage the system.
If you still aren’t sure, consult the owner’s manual or contact the dealership for model-specific guidance.
Summary
In modern trucks, you’ll find the parking brake in one of three ways: a traditional hand lever between the seats, a left-side foot pedal, or an electronic switch on the center console or dash. Identifying your truck’s configuration involves a quick look at the space between the seats, the left footwell, and the center console, plus a check of the instrument cluster. When in doubt, reference the owner’s manual for your exact model and year.
Where is the parking brake located?
The parking brake is located in one of four places depending on your vehicle's make and model: a hand lever between the front seats, a foot pedal on the floor to the left of the driver's other pedals, a push button on the center console or dashboard, or a stick lever under the dashboard. Newer vehicles often feature electronic parking brakes, which are operated by a push button or switch.
This video explains how parking brakes work: 39sspeedkar99YouTube · Nov 4, 2019
- Hand lever: A lever located between the driver and front passenger seats, typically near the gear shifter. To release it, you usually press a button on the end of the lever and push it down.
- Foot pedal: A pedal on the floor to the left of the other pedals. To engage it, push it down with your left foot until it clicks. To release it, you may need to press the pedal down again or pull a separate release handle.
- Push button: Often found on the center console or on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. This is common on vehicles with electronic parking brakes (EPB).
- Stick lever: Found in older vehicles, this is a lever located under the instrument panel, near where you'd find the clutch pedal in a manual car.
What is a parking brake on a truck?
A parking brake controls the rear brakes and is a completely separate device from your vehicle's regular hydraulic brakes. It is in charge of keeping a parked vehicle stationary; it will prevent the car from rolling down a hill or moving.
What does a parking brake look like?
A parking brake can look like a lever between the front seats, a pedal to the left of the driver's footwell, or an electronic button on the center console. In older cars, it can be a stick lever located under the steering wheel or dashboard. The appearance depends on the vehicle's age and model.
This video explains how parking brakes work: 1mspeedkar99YouTube · Nov 4, 2019
Types of parking brakes and what they look like:
- Center Lever: A large lever located between the two front seats. It is often pulled up to engage and has a button on the handle to press while pushing it down to disengage.
- Foot Pedal: A pedal on the far left side of the driver's footwell, near the door. You press it down to engage and typically pull a small lever or push the pedal again to release it.
- Electronic/Push Button: A button, often labeled "P" or with a circle and "P" symbol, usually on the center console. It is used to both engage and disengage the brake, and a dashboard light will illuminate when it's active.
- Stick Lever: A pull-out lever typically found under the dashboard or steering column, common in older vehicles.
Where can I find the parking brake?
The parking brake is located in one of four places: between the front seats as a center console lever, on the floor to the left of the driver's feet as a pedal, on the dashboard or center console as an electronic push-button, or, in older cars, as a stick lever under the instrument panel. To find it, look for a handle, pedal, or button labeled "Parking Brake" or similar, or consult your car's owner's manual.
This video shows the location and usage of an electric parking brake: 59sLincolnYouTube · Sep 20, 2024
Types and locations of parking brakes
- Center lever: A hand-operated lever located between the driver and passenger seats in the center console.
- Foot pedal: A pedal on the floor to the left of the gas and brake pedals.
- Electronic push-button: A button or switch found on the center console or dashboard, often near other controls.
- Stick lever: A pull-knob located under the instrument panel on many older vehicles.
This video demonstrates how to engage and disengage a handbrake lever: 49sScorpion MultimediaYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
