What is the solution when the Mercedes-Benz handbrake cannot be released?
4 Answers
The solution when the Mercedes-Benz handbrake cannot be released is: First, use your right hand to hold the handbrake lever, lift the lever slightly, press the handbrake button with your thumb, and then push the lever down. Taking the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class as an example, it belongs to the compact car category with body dimensions of 4622mm in length, 1796mm in width, and 1454mm in height, a wheelbase of 2789mm, a fuel tank capacity of 43 liters, and a trunk capacity of 390 liters. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is equipped with a 1.3T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 136 PS, a maximum power of 100 kW, and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
I've been driving Mercedes-Benz cars for several years and have encountered the issue of the handbrake not releasing a few times. The reasons were mostly due to the handbrake cable freezing or electronic system glitches. When parking outside in cold weather, it's easy for ice to form. Try starting the engine and letting it warm up for about ten minutes, then use a hairdryer on low setting to blow warm air around the rear wheel brake area. If the electronic button doesn't respond, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for half a minute and then reconnect it to reset the control module. Another time, it was just a blown fuse—I found the corresponding one in the driver's side fuse box and replaced it, which fixed the issue. Preventive measures include not pulling the handbrake too tightly in winter, parking in a garage whenever possible, and regularly checking brake lubrication at the shop to prevent sticking. If you really can't solve the problem, don't force it to avoid damaging the chassis. For safety, it's best to call a tow truck and take it to a professional shop for repair—it's straightforward and efficient. That time, the technician fixed my issue easily and reminded me that Mercedes' electronic systems become more stable after upgrades.
I enjoy tinkering with cars, especially the electronic parking brake issues in Mercedes-Benz. Common problems include switch failure or motor jamming. First, try pressing the brake pedal and repeatedly pressing the button a few times. Sometimes, the system may freeze; closing the car door and waiting for five minutes to reboot can help. Low battery voltage might also cause the controller to malfunction—start the engine to charge it for a while and check again. For mechanical jams, gently shift into drive and then reverse to rock the car slightly to help loosen it. To prevent issues, avoid excessive use of the parking brake in rainy or snowy weather, and regularly check for aging wiring during maintenance. Mercedes-Benz designs include a manual release cable under the trunk floor mat, but operating it requires some skill—don’t attempt it yourself. Safety tip: Forcing it open can damage the transmission. It’s more efficient to have a professional technician diagnose the fault codes and address the issue accordingly.
When driving my Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the handbrake has gotten stuck before, usually due to freezing or a button malfunction. First, warm up the car for a few minutes to see if it thaws. If the electronic button doesn't respond, check if the fuse is blown and replace it. If that doesn't work, call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop—don't force it to drive. To prevent this, avoid parking in damp, cold outdoor areas; regular maintenance will save you trouble.
