When your Ram 1500 parking brake won’t release, it can be a big annoyance. Even if you wanted to fix it, it wouldn’t be so simple as to tow the truck over to a mechanic and get it repaired.
But don’t worry, I know a couple of things you can try on the spot if you’re still at home. Keep reading to learn why this issue happens and what you can do.
Why Is Your Ram 1500 Parking Brake Not Disengaging?
The parking brake on a Ram 1500 won’t disengage if the battery is dead, the engine has problems, the cables or linkages are damaged, or the brake calipers are faulty.
Let me explain these reasons first and then we can look into the solutions.
1. Dead Battery
A dead battery stops the parking brake from disengaging. The electronic parking brake system needs power from the battery. Without it, the electronic actuator can’t release the brake.
This system relies on electricity to function. If the battery is dead, there’s no power to unlock the brake. You might notice dim dashboard lights and controls that don’t respond. Since the electronic system can’t send the release signal, the parking brake stays engaged.
2. Engine Malfunction
An engine malfunction can keep the parking brake engaged in the Ram 1500. The ECU manages signals that control the parking brake. If the engine has problems, it won’t send the right signals to release the brake.
The ECU might enter a fail-safe mode to protect the vehicle. This mode can keep the brake locked as a safety measure.
Signs of engine issues include warning lights and reduced power. The engine’s problems disrupt the normal operation of the parking brake, making it stay on.
3. Damaged Cables or Linkage
Damaged cables or linkages can cause the Ram 1500’s parking brake to stick. In some models, these components connect the brake lever or pedal to the wheels. If cables get frayed or corroded, they can’t move smoothly.
This damage makes the brake stay engaged. Linkages might jam with rust or debris, stopping them from working. These parts must move freely to disengage the brake. When they fail, the parking brake stays on, even if the electronic system tries to release it.
4. Faulty Brake Calipers
Faulty brake calipers can prevent the Ram 1500’s parking brake from releasing. Calipers hold the brake pads against the wheels. If they seize due to rust or dirt, the pads can’t retract keeping the parking brake engaged.
Calipers must move smoothly for the brake to release. If they don’t, you might feel uneven braking or dragging while driving. The brake system relies on the calipers to disengage properly. When they fail, the parking brake remains locked.
How To Disengage Parking Brake Ram 1500
To fix and disengage the parking brake, first inspect and adjust the cables and linkage, and check the brake calipers for any issues. If the brake is still stuck, manually release it by pressing the pedal and pulling the hidden lever above it. You might need to get your engine looked at, as well.
1. Fix Any Cable Issues
Gather a jack, jack stands, lubricant, hammer, punch, screwdriver, gloves, and safety glasses.
- Lift the rear of the truck with the jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Find the parking brake cables under the truck at the rear brakes.
- Inspect the cables and linkage for damage, rust, or corrosion.
- Check if the cables are sagging or too loose.
- Spray lubricant on the linkage and cable connections.
- Tap the linkage with a hammer and punch to free it if stuck.
- Engage and release the parking brake a few times to test movement.
- Ensure cables and linkage return to the correct position.
- Check the parking brake shoes in the drum for wear or damage.
- Adjust the cable tension with the adjuster to remove slack.
- Test the parking brake with the rear wheels lifted to ensure it holds and releases.
- Remove the jack stands and lower the truck.
- Drive slowly to confirm the parking brake doesn’t drag or cause resistance.
2. Check Your Battery
You’ll have to diagnose your battery and make sure that it’s actually functioning. You can try these quick fixes first before doing all that, your battery might just be having a slight hiccup.
- Turn off your Ram 1500 and remove the key.
- Open the hood and find the battery.
- Loosen and remove the negative cable from the battery.
- Wait 3 minutes with the negative cable off.
- Reattach the negative cable and tighten it.
- Check the battery for damage or corrosion.
- If the issue remains, get jumper cables and a working vehicle.
- Park the working vehicle close to the Ram 1500.
- Turn off both vehicles.
- Connect the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other end of the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
- Attach the other end of the negative (black) cable to a metal part of the Ram 1500’s engine.
- Start the working vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then start the Ram 1500.
3. Inspect Your Brake Calipers
These are just some of the steps. In some cases, you might need to look through your whole brake system.
- Use a 22 mm socket to remove lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Loosen the banjo bolt with a 15 mm socket, then snug it back to stop leaks.
- Use a 13 mm socket to remove the caliper bolts, pry off the caliper, and hang it.
- Pry off the brake pads.
- Use a 21 mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts and take off the bracket.
- Remove slide pins, wipe clean, grease, and put back.
- Put the bracket on the rotor, insert bolts, and torque to 130 ft-lbs.
- Install new brake pads and clips.
- Slide the caliper over pads, insert bolts, and torque to 31 ft-lbs.
- Remove the banjo bolt and attach the brake line with seals on both sides.
- Fill the brake fluid reservoir and bleed brakes to remove air.
- Reinstall the wheel, tighten lug nuts, and torque to 130 ft-lbs in a cross pattern.
With all that done and some more parking brake adjustments, you should be able to reliably operate your parking brakes now.
If nothing else works, you might need to take your truck to a mechanic for engine diagnosis.
How To Manually Disengage Ram 1500 Electronic Parking Brake?
This won’t solve your issue permanently, and won’t always work, but it’s a great workaround for the time being. To do a manual emergency brake release:
- Push down hard on the parking brake pedal with your foot.
- Look above the parking brake pedal for a hidden release lever.
- Feel for the lever behind the dashboard trim, just above the parking brake.
- Hook your fingers around the lever and pull it toward you.
- Keep your foot on the brake pedal to stop the truck from rolling.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, that’s enough to get you out of your predicament.
If your Dodge Ram 1500’s parking brake is stuck and you can’t tow it, call a mobile mechanic or roadside assistance. Towing with the brake engaged can damage the brakes and tires. So you’re going to need specialized help.
It’s best to fix the brake problem first to avoid more damage and make towing simpler.
