System Operation Parking Brake System Operation

When the parking brake is applied, it moves the lever to mechanically force the brake shoe tightly against the drum on the inside of the rear brake rotor. Parking brake application is completely independent of the hydraulic brake system.

The parking brake handle has an indicator switch which closes when the parking brake is set, thus illuminating the red BRAKE lamp.

Parking brake lever/cable adjustment is automatic. Cycling the lever two to three times should result in properly adjusting the parking brake after disabling it for service.

System Operation Release System Operation

Parking Brake System Description

The Air Control Programmer (ACM) controls the Park Brake Release function. Vacuum is applied to the Park Brake Release Solenoid from the Air Valve Actuator. The transaxle shifter position status signal is sent from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) via Class 2 (Serial Data) to the ACM. The park brake is released when ignition is ``ON'' and the PCM indicates to the ACM that the transaxle has not been in ``PARK'' or ``NEUTRAL'' for at least 2 seconds.

System Operation Release System Diagnosis

The climate control system uses vacuum to change air flow positions. A quick test to check for proper vacuum is to select different air modes. If the air flow direction changes from defroster vent to I/P vents to floor vents then the vacuum source is operating properly. If the Heater and A/C Programmer is not receiving the Class 2 (Serial Data) request from the PCM then a loss of serial data Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set by either the Heater and A/C Programmer (B2016), PCM (P1605) or both. The Scan Tool provides a test for exercising the Park Brake Release Solenoid. If the status of the Park Brake changes with the Scan Tool, and Park Brake does not release, check for proper vacuum supply at the solenoid. If there is no vacuum at the solenoid, inspect the vacuum hose and hose connector and repair the vacuum supply as necessary. If the vacuum supply is OK, replace the solenoid. However, if the status does not change with the Scan Tool, this indicates that the Heater and A/C Programmer is not responding to the request of the Scan Tool. Inspect terminal connections and if OK, replace the Heater and A/C Programmer.