How to Release the Parking Brake on a Highlander?

[KaydenRose]

After the engine is started, with the driver's side door closed, the parking brake will automatically release when the vehicle moves. The parking brake is commonly referred to as the handbrake. When the engine is running, press the brake pedal, first pull the handle backward while pressing the lock button at the end of the handle, then push the handle all the way down.

[HopeDella]

I remember the two most common ways to release the Highlander's parking brake. For the traditional handbrake model, use your right hand to pull the lever up slightly, then press the button on top and lower it all the way down—make sure to keep the brake pedal pressed throughout the process. The electronic parking brake is even simpler: a black button with a 'P' is located next to the gear shift. Just fasten your seatbelt, shift to D, and lightly press the accelerator, and the car will release it automatically. The same applies when reversing—shift to R and press the accelerator. If you've used the handbrake in rainy weather, remember to press the brake pedal a few extra times afterward, as wet brake pads can rust and stick. If a mechanical handbrake freezes, don't force it—pouring warm water to thaw it is safer.

[LouisAnn]

Last time I drove my friend's Highlander, I was stumped by the electronic parking brake. After stepping on the brake and starting the engine, just pull the small square button next to the gearshift, and you can drive off when the red 'P' light on the dashboard goes out. There's actually a hidden feature: when temporarily parked, pressing the brake deeply can trigger AUTOHOLD, and a green 'HOLD' light will appear on the dashboard. It automatically releases when you tap the accelerator to start. However, be especially careful when starting on steep slopes, as the system has a half-second delay in releasing the brake, so don't press the accelerator too quickly. Mechanical handbrakes can easily freeze in winter, so it's best not to pull them too tight when parking in snowy or rainy weather.

[VonJeremiah]

Releasing the handbrake depends on the vehicle model configuration. The old Highlander uses a straight-pull handbrake - you'll hear a 'click' when the ratchet engages. To release, first press the brake pedal, then press the round button on top with your thumb while lifting it about half a centimeter before pushing the entire lever down. The new electronic parking brake button is located to the left of the gearshift area - with the ignition on, simply press the button once while firmly depressing the brake pedal. The electronic parking brake's cable linkage mechanism is located beneath the center console. In case of power failure, you can access the emergency release cable by removing the cover panel near the spare tire.

[McAdam]

When releasing the Highlander's electronic parking brake, pay attention to the interlock logic. You must press the brake pedal while pressing the release button, otherwise the button light will flash and refuse to respond. After the auto hold is activated, the green 'HOLD' light on the dashboard indicates a temporary brake, at which point the electronic parking brake has actually been released. Don't be alarmed if you often hear a 'pop' noise from the rear wheels during cold starts - it's the normal sound of the brake pads separating from the rotors. For long-term parking, it's recommended to shift to P gear first and then engage the parking brake to reduce stress on the transmission gears.

[DiJulian]

The handbrake is located on the right side of the driver's seat. The mechanical version is a silver lever; to release it, press the top button and push it all the way down. The newer electronic button has an indicator light, and the handbrake is fully released only when the light goes off. The hill start assist extends the automatic release time of the handbrake. Repeatedly pulling and releasing the handbrake in traffic can turn off the auto-hold function. In freezing weather, the mechanical handbrake may freeze; manually tapping the rear wheel brake drum can help it return to position. After replacing the brake pads, a handbrake reset operation is usually required, with detailed steps illustrated in the appendix of the owner's manual.