The Electronic Parking Brake is the Greatest Failure of the Ford Bronco

[JerryC]

I posted this in another thread. My wife has weak hands and bad shoulders gained through a life time of hard work. She can't operate a mechanical handbrake. Specifically unlocking it is a problem for her.

As said above, it's the piss poor location that is the problem. If they were going to put it where it is they could have done a mechanical foot brake.

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[RHeinz]

Does it ease on or lock up?

Very controlled stop.

 

[Visitor]

To me, this is the second biggest failure* of the Bronco, and with a manual transmission you're reminded of it daily.

Why couldn't it be swapped with the mirror adjustment controls, at least? I only touch those when I'm adjusting for off-road, and I use my handbrake multiple times daily. Guess which one is easier?

*the biggest failure is the 4cyl as the only option with a manual transmission. I'm glad the MT is an option, but I'd love to have options.

 

[GaryB2220]

Uhmm no. Is this a troll post? Definitely not the biggest failure. And some of your statements are completely false. Of course the brake still works when the engine is off. Seems like you are grasping for things to complain about.
The most common issue among 7spd buyers is the digital tach and analog speedometer. The only real issue with the current parking brake is the tendency for the lever to break off in your hand

 

[RHeinz]

As said above, it's the piss poor location that is the problem. If they were going to put it where it is they could have done a mechanical foot brake.

I began driving in 1967. Except for a Volkswagen, I cannot think of an American made car (though I’m sure there are some) where the manual emergency brake handle wasn’t under the dash. Then came the foot brakes when once pushed on wouldn’t disengage without adding more foot pressure.

I guess you could place en electric brake switch nearly anywhere in the car. The steering wheel would seem like a logical place….but, oops, sorry passengers I was just trying to change radio stations….

I have no issues where the e-brake is located. Seems like a normal location for me. I am 6’4” however and perhaps as such have no issues in reaching it.

If this is the greatest failure of the Ford Bronco, I’m sure glad I bought one.

 

[Bmadda]

DOT does not allow hydraulic parking brakes. The parking brake is there in case of a hydraulic failure. Where I live, not one single vehicle over 10 years old has a functional mechanical parking brake, so the electric ones are a welcome change I guess. In the case of electrical failure, there is a procedure to release them manually (you have to climb under and unbolt the actuators which would kinda suck). I am ok w/the electric parking brake, although I HAVE accidently popped my hood when reaching for it. Don't really think Bronco Tokyo drift is gonna be a big thing for me either...but hey...would love to watch somebody do it!

 

[Mobius]

My electric parking brake has worked flawlessly in 13,000 miles of regular use with my 7mt. I have no idea what you're on about and in all the manual vehicles I've owned and enjoyed, I've never felt compelled to use the parking brake in an emergency because I don't drive beyond my skill and I live in a heavy snow region...

 

[Mobius]

I began driving in 1967. Except for a Volkswagen, I cannot think of an American made car (though I’m sure there are some) where the manual emergency brake handle wasn’t under the dash.

My two Fox chassis Mustangs (89, 91) and at least the following SN95 had console mechanical hand brakes.

 

[zerk4321]

I have an automatic, but would prefer a non-electric parking brake. Too much electric/electronic stuff.

 

[Figmo]

And some of your statements are completely false. Of course the brake still works when the engine is off.

To be fair, he did say “vehicle doesn’t have power” (not “turn the engine off”). Implying a totally dead electrical system. But I’ll admit….this is a pretty contrived example of “uselessness”.

I think I can sleep at night knowing the limitation of I can’t park my Bronco on a 45 degree slope and then hop out and change my battery.

 

[atimberwolf]

I began driving in 1967. Except for a Volkswagen, I cannot think of an American made car (though I’m sure there are some) where the manual emergency brake handle wasn’t under the dash. Then came the foot brakes when once pushed on wouldn’t disengage without adding more foot pressure.

I guess you could place en electric brake switch nearly anywhere in the car. The steering wheel would seem like a logical place….but, oops, sorry passengers I was just trying to change radio stations….

I have no issues where the e-brake is located. Seems like a normal location for me. I am 6’4” however and perhaps as such have no issues in reaching it.

If this is the greatest failure of the Ford Bronco, I’m sure glad I bought one.

Not sure what American vehicles you've driven, but two easily come to mind with the manual ebrake not under the dash. The Chevrolet Corvette and as was already mentioned the Ford Mustang. I am positive there are several more.

 

[RHeinz]

Not sure what American vehicles you've driven, but two easily come to mind with the manual ebrake not under the dash. The Chevrolet Corvette and as was already mentioned the Ford Mustang. I am positive there are several more.

Yes, as I mentioned in my post, I’m sure there were some. Please excuse me. I did not say ALL.

Also, you must be talking about post 67 Corvettes. Mid years and older had mechanical handles under the dash. Even after restoration, they were barely able to hold the car from moving on a slightly sloped driveway.

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

It’s 2023, time to accept all the E. But the type of lever and its location are ridiculous. Good thing I’ve never used a parking brake in my 28 years of driving. Yes, even when the offrodeo hosts kept pestering to use it, I faked it. Wasn’t about to break that streak

Now see, this is misguided thinking. E is fine, but with a vehicle that is supposed to be miles from help, and mechanical redundant backup is a wise thing to have.

As for manual Broncos, they have hill start assist, so I think the system we have is OK, but I completely agree the location is horrible / needs to be on the center console.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I see it's groundhog day at B6G again. I can't wait to talk about the Goodyears throwing rocks later today, maybe sprinkle in some 2.7 valve discussion after that, and top it off with a good ol MPG thread.

Don't get me wrong, I do wish it was a manual handbrake in the center console. So far it's been fine though, I'm just gentle with it.

 

[RHeinz]

To be fair, he did say “vehicle doesn’t have power” (not “turn the engine off”). Implying a totally dead electrical system. But I’ll admit….this is a pretty contrived example of “uselessness”.

I think I can sleep at night knowing the limitation of I can’t park my Bronco on a 45 degree slope and then hop out and change my battery.

I like your post.

If this were an industrial design, the brakes would fail safe…meaning that with no power (12 VDC) the brakes would be locked. For a vehicle (almost used the word car!…) that would cause more than a few additional issues and may not be safe. That condition also would require not only a battery failure but also an alternator failure at the same time…double jeopardy design…

I assume that the Bronco Park/Emergency brake is off when there is no 12 VDC power to it, like when the battery is disconnected and the engine is not running. Since 0 VDC is not a common condition, I wonder at what low voltage the system is designed to operate at. Anyone know?

Since we have traction control and trail turn assist, it seems logical (to me as an ME) that those same braking components would be used as the secondary braking system and not be complicated by a third complete braking system.

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