Parking brake manual release lever?

starskraper · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-07, 11:39 AM

Hi everyone,

Can anyone tell me if there is a manual release lever for the parking brake on a '97 Eldorado?

My parking brake warning light was on this morning, and like an idiot, I pushed the parking brake down a little to try and clear the warning. As a result, now I have the warning light on AND a parking brake that won't release when I put the car into drive, like it should. I called my mechanic and he said that on some cars equipped with vacuum-actuated parking brake releases, there's a manual release lever tucked away under the dash.

Does anyone know if the '97 Eldo has one of these manual release levers?

I know that I could try to get my 6'8" frame under the dash and look for myself, but if anyone would be kind enough to pass along the information, I'd sure appreciate it!

Thanks in advance..!

NoFear365@yahoo.com · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-07, 12:26 PM

It's directly to the right of the pedal itself. It a bit tucked up there but somewhat easily accessable.

starskraper · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-07, 01:06 PM

Thank you sooooooooooo much..!

Po Pimp · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-07, 02:43 PM

Watch your hand when you do it. That sucker can pop out and pinch the shit out of it.

**Ranger** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-07, 05:11 PM

I think the '97 is vacuum operated. Check the vacuum line and the diaphragm when you go to repair it. Also, be advised that the parking brake release is on the HVAC vacuum circuit. A vacuum leak will default the system to defrost.

starskraper · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-07, 08:09 PM

Thank you for the help, everyone! I came home and immediately found the manual release lever, gave it a pull, and life is good again! Thanks to your help, it was a piece of cake! Wow, and I thought this was going to mean a tow to the garage and another expensive fix... Thank goodness for small miracles..!! :-)

thu · #7 (**permalink**) 01-10-07, 01:38 PM

Lol.

Rtfm.

DORIAN · #8 (**permalink**) 11-26-08, 12:49 PM

Is the manual realease for parking brake in the same place for all 97 caddy's

**Ranger** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-26-08, 02:39 PM

mythy · #10 (**permalink**) 11-27-08, 05:58 PM

ok quick question here...

Ever since I used the parking break theres a slapping sound coming from that area when I accelerate or let off. Every time theres a shift in engine rpm's theres a slap sound from the parking brake area. Is it the break release? Some thing to do with the vacume and back pressure?

**Ranger** · #11 (**permalink**) 11-27-08, 09:41 PM

Hard to say. Apply it a few more times real hard so that when it releases, it snaps up real hard. Maybe some slack in the cable?

gregpoor · #12 (**permalink**) 12-23-08, 10:45 PM

I have this issue as well on my 2001 SLS, the parking break fails to always release fully, so I have been placing my foot behind it and finishing the job/pulling the last 1/2 inch to make the P Brake light go off. I also hear that occasional Slapping sound in the area of the P brake? It sounds like i'm tapping on the plastic kick plate down there?

**Ranger** · #13 (**permalink**) 12-23-08, 10:50 PM

Either you are not pressing it down far enough so that when it releases, it comes up with enough force or it needs some lube or the cables are rusted under the car and need replacing.

gregpoor · #14 (**permalink**) 12-23-08, 11:24 PM

Thanks Ranger, I'll add that to the list. I'll have more time to get this car(sls) squared away now that the Deville is in for surgery.

creeker · #15 (**permalink**) 12-23-08, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starskraper

Hi everyone,

Can anyone tell me if there is a manual release lever for the parking brake on a '97 Eldorado?

My parking brake warning light was on this morning, and like an idiot, I pushed the parking brake down a little to try and clear the warning. As a result, now I have the warning light on AND a parking brake that won't release when I put the car into drive, like it should. I called my mechanic and he said that on some cars equipped with vacuum-actuated parking brake releases, there's a manual release lever tucked away under the dash.

Does anyone know if the '97 Eldo has one of these manual release levers?

I know that I could try to get my 6'8" frame under the dash and look for myself, but if anyone would be kind enough to pass along the information, I'd sure appreciate it!

Thanks in advance..!

If all else fails...read the instructions,it's in your owners manual.