Subaru Outback (BR): Electronic parking brake – if the electronic parking brake cannot be released

WARNING

● When the electronic parking brake cannot be released, the electronic parking brake system may malfunction. Driving in such conditions may cause an unexpected accident. Contact your SUBARU dealer for inspection as soon as possible.

● You can release the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool in case of an emergency. However, after releasing the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool, contact your SUBARU dealer for inspection as soon as possible.

● Release the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool on a level road. Otherwise, the vehicle may move, which could cause an accident.

● When releasing the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool, always perform the following items.

– Shift the shift lever in the “1” or “R” position (MT models).

– Shift the select lever in the “P” position (AT and CVT models).

– Use tire stops under the tires.

● When releasing the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool, make sure that the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” position. Otherwise, the electronic parking brake system may operate and the electronic parking brake release tool may rotate and unexpected accident may occur.

CAUTION

● Under certain weather conditions (rain, snow, sandstorm, etc.), do not release the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool. If water or dust enters the device, the device may malfunction.

● If the cap cannot be removed, contact your SUBARU dealer for inspection.

● After releasing the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool, make sure that the cap is reinstalled to the parking brake release device. If the cap is not reinstalled, water or dust enters the device and the device may malfunction.

NOTE

It may be difficult to release the electronic parking brake by using the electronic parking brake release tool. Have your SUBARU dealer release the electronic parking brake if necessary. In the event that you cannot release the electronic parking brake by pulling the electronic parking brake switch or by depressing the accelerator pedal, you can release the electronic parking brake manually by using the electronic parking brake release tool.

1. Shift the shift lever in the “1” or “R” position (MT models) or the select lever in the “P” position (AT and CVT models).

2. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position.

3. Make sure that the brake system warning light and the indicator light on the parking brake switch have turned off.

4. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving.

5. Take out the electronic parking brake release tool. Refer to “Maintenance tools” F9-3.

6. Insert the electronic parking brake release tool into the cap of the parking brake release device.

7. Remove the cap of the parking brake release device by turning the electronic parking brake release tool counterclock wise.

8. Break the white film and insert the electronic parking brake release tool into the parking brake release device.

9. Turn the electronic parking brake release tool clockwise approximately 200 to 250 rotations.

10. To confirm that the electronic parking brake is released, shift the shift lever or the select lever to the “N” position, slightly move the tire stops and have someone push the vehicle slightly while you remain in the driver’s seat. If the vehicle moves, the electronic parking brake has been released.

11. Readjust the tire stops.

12. Reinstall the cap to the parking brake release device.

CAUTION

● Do not turn the electronic parking brake release tool counterclockwise or turn it around more than 300 times. Doing so may result in a malfunction of the electronic parking brake.

● Do not use electric power tools to turn the electronic parking brake release tool. Doing so may result in a malfunction of the electronic parking brake.

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