In NYS the e-brake/parking brake assembly is part of the inspection sticker assessment.. It MUST work, regardless of how people choose to debate it's purpose.
The not applying the parking brake when freezing out really applies primarily to a.) really cold weather and b.) when there's blowing snow and/or ice. The fear is that the brake can get frozen to the rotor (or drum, if applicable). I had this happen in North Dakota one winter when I sat for about 10 minutes with the brakes applied (truck was in Drive). When I tried to move again, I had to break the rotors free from the pads - luckily they weren't that frozen. It's usually a bigger problem when you first stop (warm disks) with the possibility of moisture being blown onto them and then freezing the brakes together.
So, it's not total BS, but I don't think it really applies 95% of the time for most of us. I always use the parking brake, auto or manual (except for winters in places like North Dakota...lol). I think it not only takes stress off the engine/transmission and makes for a good habit pattern (what if you accidentally leave it in Neutral?), but it's also a constant function check that the parking brake is operational and will work for you in an emergency. As a guy who's had a master cylinder blow out (on an old car with a single-reservoir master cylinder), I can tell you that's not the time you want to be wondering if the emergeny brake will work...
Posts: 11193
Joined: 9/16/2006 From: Fishers, IN Status: online
a gear going opposite of the slope you are on.
The ebrake problem is not the rotor and pad sticking together.....its for the boot that is getting cracked and letting water in, thus freezing and not allowing the cable to properly function.
I have a feeling I'm not going to have a good day tomorrow. Mine froze up on me Saturday night. I didn't realize that's what it was. I drove about 5 miles to get home. It wasn't running right but I wasn't sure what it was until I read this post after I got home. I emailed the dealer for an appointment on Monday. I bought the car used and it was out of warranty. I feel like they should still fix it since it is a known problem. However, I'm anticipating they won't. I purchased an extended warranty when I bought the car so I'm hoping if the dealership won't fix it free maybe the extended warranty will cover it. I've printed the TSB to take with me. Any other suggestions?
I had the same problem and the dealer wants to me there is nothing wrong. I am so fed up with ford, that I will purchase the new Camaro SS when it comes out. I am tired of the small engine displacement, the over pricing of 500 HP model because of some of guy named "Selby". Moreover, I am tired of all the specialty mustangs that do not have much more horsepower than a base model....C'mon Ford?
If we can't use the e-brake, is there a particular gear that is "best" to use for parking for a manual stang?
Either 1st or reverse, whichever one would move you away from fixed objects behind or in front of the car, respectively. Consider what might happen if your left foot slipped off the clutch pedal for any reason and the tranny was still in gear.
Just as I expected - dealership says Ford won't cover this because it is out of warranty and my extended service plan won't cover it either. It's not right. Ford admits in the TSB the cable was faulty but will only fix it if it's during the warranty period. Doesn't make sense to me!!!
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RE: E-brake stuck... - 
Must be winter again...still never fixed mine...o well...
