Quick summary
- With your foot still on the brake pedal, gently push the parking brake lever down until it fully engages in the released position.
- If your CR-V is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA), it will automatically hold the car in place for a few seconds after releasing the brake pedal, preventing it from rolling backward on an incline.
- If the parking brake indicator light remains illuminated after releasing the lever, it could indicate a problem with the parking brake system.
Parking brakes, a staple in the automotive industry, serve as a secondary braking system, preventing your Honda CR-V from rolling unintentionally when parked. However, when it’s time to hit the road, knowing how to turn off your parking brake is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps involved in deactivating your Honda CR-V parking brake, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free driving experience.
Step 1: Locate the Parking Brake Lever
The parking brake lever is typically situated between the driver’s seat and the center console. It’s usually a small lever with a handle or knob that can be pulled up to engage the parking brake and pushed down to release it.
Step 2: Depress the Brake Pedal
Before releasing the parking brake, ensure your foot is firmly planted on the regular brake pedal. This safety measure prevents your CR-V from rolling if the parking brake is inadvertently released.
Step 3: Release the Parking Brake Lever
With your foot still on the brake pedal, gently push the parking brake lever down until it fully engages in the released position. You may hear a clicking sound as the lever is released.
Step 4: Confirm Deactivation
Once the parking brake lever is released, check the instrument panel. The parking brake indicator light should be off, confirming that the parking brake is deactivated.
Additional Tips
- Manual Transmission: If your Honda CR-V has a manual transmission, you’ll need to put the car in neutral before releasing the parking brake.
- Automatic Transmission: For automatic transmissions, the parking brake can be released in any gear position.
- Hill Start Assist: If your CR-V is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA), it will automatically hold the car in place for a few seconds after releasing the brake pedal, preventing it from rolling backward on an incline.
- Electronic Parking Brake: Some newer Honda CR-V models feature an electronic parking brake. To release this type of parking brake, simply press the electronic parking brake button on the center console.
Troubleshooting
- Parking Brake Won’t Release: If the parking brake lever won’t move, check if the brake pedal is fully depressed. If it is, the parking brake may be frozen or stuck. You can try gently rocking the car back and forth while pressing the brake pedal to release the parking brake.
- Parking Brake Indicator Light Stays On: If the parking brake indicator light remains illuminated after releasing the lever, it could indicate a problem with the parking brake system. Consult your Honda dealer for further diagnosis and repair.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I drive with the parking brake partially engaged?
A: No, driving with the parking brake partially engaged can damage the brake system and cause premature wear.
Q: Why does my Honda CR-V roll slightly after releasing the parking brake?
A: This is normal for some vehicles, especially on inclines. The Hill Start Assist feature can help prevent this from happening.
Q: Can I adjust the parking brake myself?
A: While it’s possible to adjust the parking brake on some vehicles, it’s recommended to leave this task to a qualified mechanic to ensure proper adjustment and safety.
