Electric parking brake

The electric parking brake replaces the traditional parking brake. The control switch is located on the center console.

WARNING

Always apply the parking brake and leave your vehicle with the transmission in park (P) (automatic transmission), or in first gear (1) or reverse (R) (manual transmission).

Note: When you apply the electric parking brake in certain circumstances, for example on a steep incline, the electric parking brake may re-apply the brakes within three to ten minutes. Note: You may notice various noises when you apply and release the electric parking brake. These noises are normal.

Parking on a hill (vehicles fitted with a manual transmission)

If you park your vehicle facing uphill, select first gear (1) and turn the steering wheel towards the side away from the curb. If you park your vehicle facing downhill, select reverse (R) and turn the steering wheel towards the curb.

Applying the electric parking brake

WARNING

If the brake system warning light comes on, there may be a fault with the electric parking brake. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Note: The brake system warning light stays on for ten seconds if the ignition is switched off after applying the electric parking brake, or if the electric parking brake is applied once the ignition is switched off. Note: The electric parking brake is not applied automatically. You must apply the electric parking brake using the electric parking brake switch.

Pull the switch fully up to apply the electric parking brake.

The brake system warning light comes on to confirm that the electric parking brake has been applied.

See Information Displays (page 89).

Applying the electric parking brake while driving

WARNINGS

• Applying the electric parking brake while the vehicle is moving activates the anti-lock braking system. Do not use the electric parking brake while the vehicle is moving, unless the normal braking system cannot stop the vehicle.
• Except in an emergency (for example if the brake pedal does not work or is jammed), do not apply the electric parking brake while the vehicle is moving. When cornering, on poor road surfaces or in wet weather, emergency braking may cause loss of vehicle control or lead to a road departure.

If you apply the electric parking brake while the vehicle is moving, the brake system warning light comes on and a warning tone sounds. See Information Displays (page 89).

If the vehicle speed exceeds 6 km/h, braking force is applied as long as you pull the switch. Pressing or releasing the switch, or pressing the accelerator pedal, stops the braking force.

Releasing the electric parking brake

You can release the electric parking brake manually by pressing the switch, or automatically.

Manual release

WARNING

If the brake system warning light stays on or flashes after you have released the parking brake, there may be a fault in the brake system. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

You can release the electric parking brake manually by:

1. 1
   switching the ignition on;
2. 2
   pressing the brake pedal;
3. 3
   pressing the electric parking brake switch.

When you release the electric parking brake, the brake system warning light goes out.

Automatic release - automatic release at start-off

Your vehicle releases the parking brake automatically if all of the following conditions are met:

• the driver's door is closed;
• the driver's seat belt is fastened;
• the vehicle accelerates.
• No fault is detected in the parking brake system.

Note: If the electric parking brake warning light stays on, the electric parking brake is not released automatically. You must release the electric parking brake using the electric parking brake switch. Note: On vehicles with a manual transmission, if the transmission is not in neutral (N) when you release the clutch pedal and press the accelerator pedal, the electric parking brake is released automatically. Note: On vehicles with a manual transmission, you must fully depress the clutch pedal before the automatic release at start-off function operates.

Drive normally using the accelerator and clutch pedals and the electric parking brake will be released automatically.

The brake system warning light goes out to confirm that the electric parking brake has been released.

Note: Automatic release at start-off with the electric parking brake makes hill starts easier.

This function releases the parking brake automatically when the vehicle's drive force is sufficient to climb the hill. To activate automatic release at start-off when starting on a hill, press the accelerator pedal quickly.

Driving with a trailer

Depending on the gradient and the trailer weight, your vehicle and trailer may roll back slightly when starting on a hill.

To prevent this, please:

1. 1
   pull the switch and keep it in this position;
2. 2
   start your vehicle, then release the switch when the engine's drive force is sufficient.

Flat or discharged battery

WARNING

You cannot apply or release the electric parking brake if the battery is low or discharged.

If the battery is low or discharged, use jump leads and an auxiliary battery.