Parking Brake

Applying the parking brake

To apply the parking brake, first depress the foot brake, then, without pressing the release button, pull the parking brake lever up as far as it will go. Additionally, when parking on a slope, it is recommended that the shift lever be placed in an appropriate low gear for vehicles with a manual transmission, or in the P (Park) position for vehicles with an Intelligent Variable Transmission.

WARNING - Parking Brake

Driving with the parking brake applied will cause excessive wear of the brake pads (or linings) and brake discs.

Releasing the Parking Brake

To release the parking brake, first apply the foot brake and lift the parking brake lever slightly. Second, press the release button (1) and lower the parking brake lever (2) while holding the button.

WARNING! Using the Parking Brake

• Never allow a passenger to touch the parking brake. If the parking brake is released unintentionally, it may result in serious injury.
• Always make sure the parking brake is fully applied when parking all vehicles to prevent unintended vehicle movement that may injure passengers or pedestrians.

• If your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, do not allow the vehicle to creep forward. To prevent creeping, keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped.

• Be careful when parking on a slope. Firmly apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in P (Intelligent Variable Transmission) or in first or reverse gear (manual transmission). If your vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If your vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If there is no curb, or if otherwise required to keep the vehicle from rolling, block the wheels.

• In some cases, the parking brake may freeze in the applied position. This most often occurs when snow or ice accumulates around or near the rear brakes, or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk that the parking brake may freeze, apply it only temporarily while you place the shift lever in P (Intelligent Variable Transmission) or in first or reverse gear (manual transmission) and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.

• Do not hold the vehicle on a slope using the accelerator pedal. This may cause the transmission to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake.

Check the brake warning light by turning the ignition switch ON (do not start the engine). This warning light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position.

Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off.

If the brake system warning light remains on after releasing the parking brake while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction in the brake system. Immediate attention is required.

If possible, stop the vehicle immediately. If this is not possible, exercise extreme caution when operating the vehicle and continue driving only until you reach a safe location or a repair shop.