How to Identify Land Rover Parking Brake Problems

Land Rover features an electronic parking brake that provides superior safety, convenience, and utility compared to traditional hand-lever parking brakes. The switch for the parking brake is situated at the central console, and when you push the button, the control unit sends a signal to the actuator mounted near the rear brake caliper, and it mechanically applies the brake, keeping the Land Rover parked. A malfunction in this electromechanical component diminishes Land Rover’s parking brake functionality. This poses safety risks, including the car rolling unexpectedly, collateral damage, getting stranded when the parking brake gets stuck, and failing the safety inspection.

That’s why a Land Rover owner like you should have some understanding of the failure and its signs of parking brake failure, so that in critical situations you can make the right call regarding the repair and service of the Land Rover parking brake. Milestone Motors in Royal Palm Beach provides quality repair and maintenance services for European vehicles like Land Rovers. The following is what our experts explain: how to recognize the signs of a malfunctioning Land Rover parking brake.

4 Signs Your Land Rover Parking Brake Is Failing

A complete breakdown of the electronic parking brake rarely happens without warning signs. The Land Rover exhibits several signs of malfunction, indicating progressive parking brake failure. Identifying them before time can save you from getting stranded or facing a safety hazard, and having a well-working parking brake in your Land Rover. Here are the 4 key signs to watch for identifying parking brake failure:

1. Warning Light and Message

Warning lights and dashboard messages are a vehicle’s most direct way of telling you there’s a problem. A flashing or constantly illuminated amber or red light, often depicted as a “P” inside a circle with an exclamation mark, on your dashboard is the warning light for parking brake malfunction. Or your Land Rover’s message center on the dashboard displays a clear text warning―”PARKING BRAKE FAULT” to warn you of the parking brake failure.

2. Unusual Noises

As the malfunction is in the brakes, the vehicle is sure to make unusual sounds. When you hear a prolonged, high-pitched screech or a harsh grinding noise while engaging or disengaging the brake, it means the parking brake actuator motor is failing or there is a mechanical jam in the system, which is putting strain on the components to operate. On the other hand, if you pull the switch and hear nothing, it could indicate an electrical failure, where the system is not working. Here, the signal isn’t reaching the motor, or the motor itself has failed.

3. Brake Fails to Engage or Disengage

This is one of the most critical symptoms that is also a safety risk when it happens. Here, the parking brake does not engage when you pull the switch. Sometimes the brake engages improperly, making the parking insecure. This is a significant safety risk, especially when parking on a hill. When you try to drive away, but the vehicle feels sluggish and held back, it indicates that the brakes have not appropriately disengaged. The “PARK BRAKE” light remains on even after you’ve released it. Attempting to drive with the parking brake engaged causes severe damage to your rear brakes and drivetrain.

4. Dragging Rear Brakes and a Burning Smell

Another red flag for the electronic parking brake module is the dragging of the rear brake and a burning smell. Sometimes the electronic parking brake doesn’t fully release after switching off, leaving it partially engaged. This creates a constant drag on the rear wheels and a burning smell from friction. Here, you may notice poor fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, and excessive heat coming from the rear wheels after a drive. The most worrying sign is the pungent, acrid smell from overheated brake pads and their rapid wear on the rotors.

Failed Parking Brake Repair of Land Rover in Royal Palm Beach

When you face these parking brake malfunction signs in your Land Rover in Royal Palm Beach, visit our shop, Milestone Motors, for prompt and precise repairs. We are the area’s premier European auto repair facility, which provides complete auto service, including parking brake repair. We guarantee top-notch auto repair and service because our facility employs ASE-certified, expert technicians.

We are committed to accurate diagnosis and repair; that’s why we use advanced tools, factory-grade diagnostic scanners, and OEM-made genuine parts and fluids. We operate from 530 Business Parkway, St. 2, in Royal Palm Beach. We also offer our services to residents of nearby cities, including Wellington, West Palm Beach, Westlake, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Loxahatchee Groves, and Lake Worth.