Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake can be applied or released by operating the parking brake switch.
To apply: Pull the switch up. The indicator light will illuminate.
To release: With the ignition ON, depress the brake pedal and push the switch down. The indicator light will turn off.
Before driving, check that the brake indicator light goes out. For additional information, see “Warning lights, indicator lights and audible reminders.”
The Electric Parking Brake also has an auto apply and auto release function.
Manual Transmission Vehicles
- The parking brake will automatically release when you drive away.
- With the vehicle stationary, the Electric Parking Brake is automatically applied when:
- The engine is turned off.
- The driver’s seatbelt is unfastened.
- The driver’s door is opened.
Xtronic Transmission Vehicles
- The parking brake will automatically release when you drive away using the accelerator with the transmission in D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
- For safety reasons, the parking brake will not release automatically when the driver’s door is open.
NOTE
- If braking force is applied by the Automatic Brake Hold function for 3 minutes or longer.
- The vehicle is in the P (Park) position (Xtronic models).
- The Electric Parking Brake is applied manually.
- The driver’s seatbelt is unfastened.
- The driver’s door is opened.
- The ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
- A malfunction occurs in the Automatic Brake Hold function.
To keep the Electric Parking Brake released after switching off the ignition: While the ignition is ON, press the brake pedal, deactivate Automatic Brake Hold (if activated), and push the parking brake switch before switching the ignition OFF.
WARNING
- Be sure the Electric Parking Brake is released before driving. Failure to do so could cause brake failure and lead to an accident.
- Do not release the parking brake from outside the vehicle.
- Do not leave children, people requiring assistance, or pets unattended in the vehicle.
- Before leaving the vehicle, confirm that the vehicle is held by the parking brake or transmission.
CAUTION
To park the vehicle in cold climates, shift the transmission to 1st (1) or Reverse (R) for manual transmission vehicles, or press the Park (P) button for Xtronic vehicles. Place suitable chocks at both the front and back of a wheel with the Electric Parking Brake released. If applied in cold climates, the brake may freeze and cannot be released.
Driving Away When Towing a Trailer
- Pull and hold the parking brake switch and press the accelerator to prevent rollback.
- Release the parking brake switch once the engine delivers enough power to the wheels.
- To prevent rollback on steep slopes, pull up the parking brake switch while pressing the accelerator.
Automatic Brake Hold
The Automatic Brake Hold function maintains braking force without the driver having to depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or intersection.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed again, the function is deactivated and braking force is released.
Conditions for Use
- The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.
- The Electric Parking Brake is released.
- The vehicle is not in the P (Park) position.
- The vehicle is not stopped on a steep hill.
Automatic Brake Hold Warning
- Do not use on steep hills or slippery roads.
- Deactivate when using a car wash, towing, or when overloaded.
- Always shift to P (Park) and apply the Electric Parking Brake when parking.
- If warning messages appear or indicator lights fail to illuminate, have the system checked.
To maintain braking force at a standstill, a noise may be heard. This is normal and not a malfunction.
