Electronic Parking Brake Won’t Release: Jump Start or Tow?
Electronic parking brake stuck on? Call Rick’s before driving or arranging a tow so we can confirm the vehicle and access.
Towing & roadside assistance—one local call.
Lake View East & North Side focus · 24/7
English & Spanish assistance
Towing & roadside assistance—one local call.
Lake View East & North Side focus · 24/7
English & Spanish assistance
Electronic parking brake stuck on? Call Rick’s before driving or arranging a tow so we can confirm the vehicle and access.
An electronic parking brake can stay applied because of a low 12-volt battery, an open door or unfastened seat belt, a switch problem, or a brake-system fault. Do not keep pressing the accelerator to force the vehicle to move. Driving against an applied parking brake can overheat and damage brake components.
Keep your foot on the brake, switch the ignition to the required position and follow the release procedure in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Controls and emergency-release steps differ by make, model and year.
Sometimes. Ford’s owner information says a low or discharged battery can prevent an electric parking brake from releasing and directs drivers to connect a booster battery before trying again. That does not mean every stuck parking brake is a battery problem.
If the dash is dim, the starter only clicks, or several low-voltage warnings appeared together, tell Rick’s the year, make and model. Rick’s can provide 12V or 24V jump-start service when compatible. If the brake warning remains after power is restored, stop and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Arrange a tow when the parking brake will not release after the manual’s approved steps, the warning light stays on or flashes, you smell overheated brakes, or the vehicle cannot roll freely. Do not crawl under the vehicle or improvise a release cable procedure from another model.
The correct towing method is vehicle-specific. Hyundai, for example, tells owners of some models to use a flatbed when the electronic parking brake will not release. Rick’s does not operate a flatbed. If your manual requires one, Rick’s will tell you the job is not compatible so you can call a provider with the required equipment.
These details help determine whether a light-duty wheel-lift tow, dollies, a jump start or another type of equipment is appropriate.
A stuck parking brake in an underground garage requires more than a street address. Measure the posted clearance and describe the ramp, turns, ceiling pipes, vehicle position and space behind the vehicle. Rick’s confirms access before entering; some garages or vehicle conditions may require equipment that cannot safely fit.
See the garage and tight-space towing guide and what to prepare before a tow.
For a stuck electronic parking brake in Lake View East or elsewhere on Chicago’s North Side, call with the vehicle and pickup details above. Rick’s provides compatible light-duty wheel-lift towing and roadside assistance 24/7, subject to vehicle condition, manufacturer requirements and access.
Keep the vehicle secured, stay clear of traffic and do not force it to move. Use only the release steps in the correct owner’s manual. If the brake will not release or the warning remains, call Rick’s to confirm whether a jump start or compatible tow is the right next step.
Browse more driver guides, including warning-light, battery and towing questions for Chicago drivers.
If the vehicle cannot be driven safely, review Rick’s wheel-lift towing. Give the pickup and destination, vehicle details, keys, drivetrain and roll/steer condition so equipment and access can be checked.
Call Rick’s for towing and roadside assistance. Tell us your location and the service you need. Rick’s is open 24/7; availability and vehicle suitability are confirmed for each request.
Rick’s Emergency Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 towing and roadside assistance for drivers in Lake View East, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square, North Center, Sauganash, and nearby Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods. We help with wheel-lift towing, jump starts, flat tire service, car lockout service, fuel delivery, and emergency roadside assistance when your vehicle leaves you stuck.
Rick’s Emergency Roadside Assistance has served Lake View East and Chicago’s North Side with 24/7 towing and roadside assistance since 2000.
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