Stuck emergency brake...help!! - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Bucky · 03-09-2010, 07:48 AM

So my 08 Smart For Two has been parked here in Germany for about 5 days. Today I get in and the emergency brake won't disengage. Starts fine but it won't budge from the garage. This ever happen to anyone? Never had a problem with the car. It's been cold here but I don't think it's a temperature issue.

**JPaul** · 03-09-2010, 07:58 AM

'Bucky',
Our US version has a slightly different gear shift (P-R-N-D), with a lock on P.
Did you try to push the car to "free" the peg that locks in in "P"?
Or it may be so different that someone from outside the US can give you some hint...

wrumbarger · 03-09-2010, 08:23 AM

Had this happen a couple of times to me.

Appears to be from the car rolling (just a fraction) after applying the e-brake?

Try pulling UP on the brake handle while pushing IN the release button?

This has worked on my US 451 the last 2 times.

Bucky · 03-09-2010, 08:44 AM

Will try it tonight when I get home. Thanks.

Bucky · 03-09-2010, 08:48 AM

It's a European version. There is no "park" mode. You just park it with the gear in reverse and apply the brake. It's definately the brake. I'll mess with it some more tonight.

sunnyokanagan · 03-09-2010, 09:29 AM

Happened to me twice on my 450. The metallic particles in the pads rust onto the drums in high humidity. Try clanging the drums with a board and then get in and give it a few jolts of back-and-forth. The brakes will release suddenly with a big old slam.

PDX-PLT · 03-09-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnyokanagan

Happened to me twice on my 450. The metallic particles in the pads rust onto the drums in high humidity. Try clanging the drums with a board and then get in and give it a few jolts of back-and-forth. The brakes will release suddenly with a big old slam.

I don't have a smart yet, but FWIW this happens on my pickup truck in the winter.

RVGRINGO · 03-09-2010, 11:23 AM

Your brake shoes may be frozen to the brake drums. If the car is in the garage, get some heat in there. If it is outside, try rocking the vehicle or find a way to warm the brake drums to above freezing.

Bucky · 03-09-2010, 01:05 PM

I think Sunny and Gringo are right. It's in a car port actually, and we've had heavy wet snow and freezing temps. I'll try the good old fashion brake drum clanging. thanks for the input guys.

chieftmc · 03-09-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucky

I think Sunny and Gringo are right. It's in a car port actually, and we've had heavy wet snow and freezing temps. I'll try the good old fashion brake drum clanging. thanks for the input guys.

When all else fails; get a bigger hammer