The parking brake of your Dodge Ram enables you to park securely and helps in protecting your transmission fluid from wear and tear. With a parking brake, you don’t have to rely on your parking gear transmission, which causes the information to slip and the vehicle to roll.
The Dodge Ram parking brakes are simple and can last for years without any problem. However, some issues could leave you with a stuck parking problem.
Today’s piece discussed all you need to know about Why is your Dodge Ram Parking Brake Won’t Release, how to fix it and the replacement cost.
How Does the Parking Brake System Work?
The Dodge Ram parking brake is situated on the left side of the driver’s knee, just behind the steering wheel. The primary function of this parking brake is to stop your vehicle from tossing while parked. Before leaving your dodge ram, you need to confirm that the parking brake is applied to ensure the safety of your car.
Your parking brake ensures you can park securely on an incline. It also provides that you don’t have to rely on the parking gear of your transmission, as it’s possible for the information to slip, and then the car can roll. Most parking brakes are relatively simple, but they are subject to several potential problems that could leave you with a parking brake that won’t release.
There are different types of Dodge Ram parking brake setups, and the kind you use depends on the model of your vehicle. However, all the systems have the same features and work almost the same way.
Once you pull up the handle of your parking brake, the movement engages the cable(s) depending on the model of the car. If your dodge ram has two lines, one will move to each read wheel. However, if you’ve one thread, it will run to the back of the car, where it will be split into two lines each for one rear wheel.
These cables are what keeps the parking brakes engaged. When you put the parking brake handle down to disengage the brake, there’s the need for it to return spring on each drum or caliper. Once the return springs are engaged, the parking brake will be disengaged, and the cable(s) will turn to its normal position.
What Causes Dodge Ram Parking Brake Won’t Release or Parking Brakes to Stuck?
Some reasons why your parking brake is not releasing include:
01. Rust and Corrosion
Parking brakes can become rusty over time because of exposure to harsh weather. Even a little rust is enough to stop the parking brake cables from disengaging.
It can be tough to fix this problem in your garage, especially if the corrosion is much. You’ll likely need to call a tow truck to help transport your vehicle to the technician, but we have a trick:
Apply and release the brakes manually and severally. Then shift into drive and reverse twice to move the car back and forth. This can force out some of the rust from the cables.
Do a visual inspection by checking the parking brake system underneath the vehicle. If the cable or other parts are corroded, then it’s time you replace the parking brake.
02. Leaving Your Parking Break On For Too Long during Winter
A possible reason why your parking brake isn’t releasing is maybe you left it on for a long time. If you store your Dodge Ram throughout winter, you’ll likely have a frozen parking brake.
An easy troubleshooting tactic for this is to:
Start your vehicle and allows the engine to run. This might melt the ice enabling your parking brake to release. To speed up this process, you can rev the machine so the ice can melt faster.
If the parking brake is still stuck, there might still be chunks of ice inside, disengaging the brake severally to break them up.
03. Damaged Return Springs
Return springs are exposed to wear and tear over time. Once they become too fragile, they won’t have enough strength to release the parking brake.
The return springs can also get bent or broken due to damage, causing your parking brake to get stuck.
04. Engaging Your Parking Brake Too Hard
If you’re putting too much strength when applying your parking brake, you might end up sticking it against the walls of the wheel drum. This can stretch out the cable from the brake handle to the wheels.
Try disengaging the parking brake severally to see if it will release; if it doesn’t, you might need to call a tow truck to help.
05. Stuck Caliper
Another cause of the parking brake not releasing might be a stuck caliper. This happens mostly when your car has rear disc brakes. However, this depends on the model of your vehicle, as some cars have disc brakes but don’t need calipers for their brakes to work.
What is the Way Out of Releasing Parking Brake?
The best thing to do when your parking brake is not releasing is to contact a professional mechanic to come and inspect the whole parking system, including the return springs, the cables and the calipers, and more.
Your mechanic might need to remove the discs, rear wheels, and calipers to access the parking brake properly. After a thorough inspection, the technician will give you a report that includes the cause of the problem and the cost of the necessary repairs.
What is the Average Cost of a Dodge Ram Parking Brake Won’t Release Inspection?
The average cost for a Dodge Ram parking brake won’t release about $95, with $95 for labor and $0 for parts. This price may vary depending on your location and mechanic.
To inspect a Dodge Ram 1500 parking brake that is stuck, the price maybe a little above 95 or less than that. However, if you want to inspect the whole parking brake system, you’ll be charged around $111
Can I drive with a Parking Brake that’s not Releasing?
It’s dangerous to drive with a parking brake that’s not releasing because your brakes might overheat causing severe damage to the system. You might even end up with a rolling vehicle when you try to park your car.
Conclusion
Parking brakes can last for several years without any problem. However, it can be damaged due to corrosion, harsh weather conditions, or accidents.
Ensure you’re engaging your parking brake gently and go to your mechanic for regular checkups ahead of problems. Also, avoid driving with a parking brake that won’t release. Contact your mechanic to see what they can be done.
