Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

Parking Brake
On E-150, E-250 and E-350, the parking brake is a drum-in-hat type system mounted on the rear axle flange. On the E-450, the parking brake is mounted to the transmission extension housing. All systems are controlled by a foot-operated parking brake control mounted behind the LH cowl-side trim panel. The parking brake controller cable is self-adjusting.

The parking brake system is actuated when the parking brake control is pressed. The parking brake control applies tension to the front parking brake cable and conduit, and the parking brake intermediate cable. The conduit reaction bracket is attached to the LH conduit end fitting. The RH cable is coupled in the slot of the conduit reaction bracket. The respective rear brake assemblies are then applied.

If the parking brake control is not fully released, the parking brake signal switch will illuminate the brake warning light.

The parking brake signal switch is mounted on the parking brake control.

Brake Warning System
The brake warning indicator:
^ is located in the instrument cluster.
^ illuminates to signal the driver that the parking brake is applied or to signal a low brake fluid condition.
^ remains lit to indicate a brake system concern has occurred.