Emergency Brake Problem
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Don't push on the button while pulling the handle up.
You only push the button in when you want to release the brake.
To Set Brake:
1. Pull handle up, you should hear a ratchet sound as it pulls up.
2. Once set, the handle will go back down leaving the parking brake set.
To Release Brake:
1. Pull handle up to take out all the slack, hold button in and put a little "up tension" on handle.
2. The ratchet should release, and while holding button in move the handle all the way down.
You only push the button in when you want to release the brake.
To Set Brake:
1. Pull handle up, you should hear a ratchet sound as it pulls up.
2. Once set, the handle will go back down leaving the parking brake set.
To Release Brake:
1. Pull handle up to take out all the slack, hold button in and put a little "up tension" on handle.
2. The ratchet should release, and while holding button in move the handle all the way down.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 292
Likes: 39
From: San Anselmo California
Don't push on the button while pulling the handle up.
You only push the button in when you want to release the brake.
To Set Brake:
1. Pull handle up, you should hear a ratchet sound as it pulls up.
2. Once set, the handle will go back down leaving the parking brake set.
To Release Brake:
1. Pull handle up to take out all the slack, hold button in and put a little "up tension" on handle.
2. The ratchet should release, and while holding button in move the handle all the way down.
You only push the button in when you want to release the brake.
To Set Brake:
1. Pull handle up, you should hear a ratchet sound as it pulls up.
2. Once set, the handle will go back down leaving the parking brake set.
To Release Brake:
1. Pull handle up to take out all the slack, hold button in and put a little "up tension" on handle.
2. The ratchet should release, and while holding button in move the handle all the way down.
I was having trouble climbing out of our 1992 C4 after setting the parking brake - this clears that issue up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
While we're on the E-brake questions and answers. Had to use my e-brake for the first time since I can ever remember. When I put it down, the red light on the info panel stayed on. Car rolls OK, and back wheels don't overheat so in asking around I'm told there's a micro switch down by the back end of the handle that might be my problem. Apparently the front seat has to come out to have access to the cover on the e-brake handle. Anyone ever mess around with this micro switch. Might it just need adjustment or lube to get the light to go off? Thanks in advance.
87 Coupe.
87 Coupe.
Last edited by CREWZIN; Aug 17, 2016 at 05:25 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
To answer my own question. Took the seat out and the problem wasn't the micro-switch but a small electrical connection on the master cylinder that had come off. Put it back on and the brake light switch went off. 
