Ford Escape: Electric Parking Brake

The electric parking brake is used to hold your vehicle on slopes and flat roads.

Applying the Electric Parking Brake

WARNING: Always fully apply the parking brake and make sure you shift into park (P). Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: If you drive extended distances with the parking brake applied, you could cause damage to the brake system.

WARNING: The electric parking brake does not operate if the vehicle battery has run out of charge.

The electronic parking brake switch is on the center console.

1. Pull the switch up.

The red warning lamp flashes during operation and illuminates when the parking brake is applied.

Note: You can apply the electric parking brake when the power is off.

Note: The electric parking brake could apply when you shift into park (P).

Applying the Electric Parking Brake in an Emergency

You can use the electric parking brake to slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.

1. Pull the switch up and hold it.

The electric parking brake continues to slow your vehicle down unless you release the switch.

The red warning lamp illuminates, a tone sounds and the stoplamps turn on when you use the electric parking brake in an emergency.

Note: Do not apply the electric parking brake when your vehicle is moving, except in an emergency.

Manually Releasing the Electric Parking Brake

1. Switch the ignition on.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Push the switch down.

The red warning lamp turns off.

Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a Trailer

1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Pull the switch upward and hold it.
3. Shift into gear.
4. Press the accelerator pedal until engine has developed sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down the hill.
5. Release the switch and pull away in a normal manner.

Automatically Releasing the Electric Parking Brake

1. Close the driver door.
2. Shift into gear.
3. Press the accelerator pedal and pull away in a normal manner.

Electric Parking Brake Audible Warning

Sounds when the parking brake is on and your vehicle is moving. If the warning tone continues after you have released the parking brake, this indicates a malfunction. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if the Vehicle Battery Has Run Out of Charge

See Jump Starting the Vehicle

Electric Parking Brake – Troubleshooting

Electric Parking Brake – Warning Lamps

Brake System

It illuminates red when you apply the parking brake and your vehicle is on. If the lamp flashes when the parking brake has been released, this indicates the parking brake system requires service. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note: Lamps may vary depending on region.

Electric Parking Brake

When the lamp illuminates yellow, it indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Electric Parking Brake – Information Messages

Park Brake