The vehicle has an Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The switch for the EPB is on the center console.

The EPB can always be activated, even if the ignition is off. To prevent draining the battery, avoid repeated cycles of the EPB system when the engine is not running.

The system has a parking brake status light and a parking brake warning light. See Electric Parking Brake Light . There are also three Driver Information Center (DIC) messages. See Brake System Messages  for more information. In case of insufficient electrical power, the EPB cannot be applied or released.

Before leaving the vehicle, check the parking brake status light to ensure that the parking brake is applied.

EPB Apply

The EPB can be applied any time the vehicle is stopped. The EPB is applied by momentarily lifting up on the EPB switch. Once fully applied, the parking brake status light will be on. While the brake is being applied, the status light will flash until it is fully applied. If the light does not come on, or remains flashing, you need to have the vehicle serviced.

Do not drive the vehicle if the parking brake status light is flashing.

See your dealer. See Electric Parking Brake Light  for more information.

If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is in motion, a chime will sound, and the DIC message RELEASE PARK BRAKE SWITCH will be displayed. The vehicle will decelerate as long as the switch is held in the up position. Releasing the EPB switch during deceleration will release the parking brake. If the switch is held in the up position until the vehicle comes to a stop, the EPB will remain applied.

If the parking brake status light flashes continuously, then the EPB is only partially applied or released, or there is a problem with the EPB.

The DIC message SERVICE PARKING BRAKE will be displayed.

If this light flashes continuously, release the EPB, and attempt to apply it again. If this light continues to flash, do not drive the vehicle.

See your dealer.

If the parking brake warning light is on, the EPB has detected an error in another system and is operating with reduced functionality.

To apply the EPB when this light is on, lift up on the EPB switch and hold it in the up position.

Full application of the parking brake by the EPB system may take a longer period of time than normal when this light is on. Continue to hold the switch until the parking brake status light remains on. If the parking brake warning light is on, see your dealer.

For maximum EPB force when parking on a hill, pull the EPB switch twice.

If the EPB fails to apply, the rear wheels should be blocked to prevent vehicle movement.

EPB Release

To release the EPB, place the ignition in the ON/RUN position, apply and hold the brake pedal, and push down momentarily on the EPB switch. If you attempt to release the EPB without the brake pedal applied, a chime will sound, and the DIC message PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO RELEASE PARK BRAKE will be displayed. The EPB is released when the parking brake status light is off.

If the parking brake warning light is on, the EPB has detected an error in another system and is operating with reduced functionality.

To release the EPB when this light is on, push down on the EPB switch and hold it in the down position.

EPB release may take a longer period of time than normal when this light is on. Continue to hold the switch until the parking brake status light is off. If the light is on, see your dealer.

Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving.

Automatic EPB Release

The EPB will automatically release if the vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB is applied, to preserve parking brake lining life.

The EPB can also be used to prevent roll back for vehicles with a manual transmission taking off on a hill. In a situation where no roll back is desired, an applied EPB will allow both feet to be used for the clutch and accelerator pedals in preparation for starting the vehicle moving in the intended direction.

In this situation, perform the normal clutch and/or accelerator actions required to begin moving the vehicle. There is no need to push the switch to release the EPB.