Caution: On vehicles with a manual transmission, releasing the clutch and pressing the accelerator will release the Electric Parking Brake. If the vehicle is not in a gear, the vehicle could move, and you or others could be injured. Make sure the vehicle is in a gear before attempting to drive away. To avoid unexpected vehicle movement, do not partially release the clutch or press the accelerator pedal until you are ready to release the parking brake and drive away.

Vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) have a switch in the center console.

The EPB takes the place of the manual parking brake system, the foot pedal and release handle. The system has two warning lights and five Driver Information Center (DIC) messages. See Brake System Warning Light and DIC Warnings and Messages for more information. In case of insufficient electrical power, the EPB cannot be applied or released.

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 BRAKE light will be on, and the DIC message "Park Brake Set" will be displayed. If the light does not come on, or is flashing, you need to have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if the BRAKE light is flashing. See your dealer/retailer. See Brake System Warning 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 the 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 BRAKE light is on, either the EPB is applied, or there is a failure in the hydraulic brake system.

If this light is flashing, the EPB is only partially applied or released, or there is a problem with the EPB. The DIC message "Service Park Brake" will be displayed. If this light is flashing, release the EPB, and attempt to apply it again. If this light continues to flash, do not drive the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.

If the 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 BRAKE light remains on. If the light is on, see your dealer/retailer.

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

To release the EPB, turn the ignition switch to 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 BRAKE light is off and the DIC message "Park Brake Released" is displayed.

If the 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 BRAKE light is off. If the light is on, see your dealer/retailer.

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.

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 park 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 accelerator actions required to begin moving the vehicle. There is no need to push the switch to release the EPB.

If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see Towing a Trailer for more information.