The electro-mechanical parking brake replaces the handbrake.

Fig. 133 Centre console: Parking brake

– Pull switch A ⇒ fig. 133 to apply the parking brake. The indicator lamp in the switch will light up.
– Depress the brake or accelerator pedal and press the switch at the same time to release the parking brake. The indicator lamp in the switch will go out.

Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-mechanical parking brake.

The parking brake replaces the conventional handbrake, and is mainly intended to prevent the vehicle from rolling away accidentally.

However, the electro-mechanical parking brake also offers a number of convenience and safety features in addition to the functions of a normal handbrake.

When driving away

• The parking brake auto release function releases the parking brake automatically when you wish to start moving, “Driving away from a standstill”.
• When driving away on a gradient, the parking brake auto release function prevents the vehicle from rolling back unintentionally. The braking force of the parking brake is only released when there is enough power at the wheels to make the vehicle move in the desired direction.

Emergency braking function

An emergency braking function enables you to stop the vehicle even if the conventional foot brake should fail to work, “Emergency braking function”.

WARNING and indicator lamps

• The warning lamps in the instrument cluster and switch light up when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched on.
• The warning lamps in the instrument cluster and switch light up for approximately 20 seconds when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched off.

WARNING
Never press the accelerator pedal or release the clutch inadvertently if a gear is engaged or if the selector lever is not in position P or N (on automatic vehicles) while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately and possibly cause an accident.

Caution
If the symbol flashes in the centre display, or if the warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster, there is a fault in the brake system. You can press the SET button to obtain a message explaining the fault. If the message Parking brake! appears, there is a fault in the parking brake. Have the fault repaired by a qualified workshop without delay.

Note
• The parking brake can be applied at any time - even when the ignition is switched off. However, the ignition must be switched on before the parking brake can be released.
• Any slight noise which may be heard when the parking brake is applied or released is quite normal and no cause for concern.
• The parking brake runs an automatic test cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is parked. This may also cause a slight noise, which is normal.