Using the parking brake

The electric parking brake helps to keep the vehicle stationary when it is parked.

Applying the parking brake

P5-1507-parking brake activate
Put the gear selector in P.
Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Pull up the control.
The symbol in the instrument panel will illuminate when the parking brake has been fully applied.
Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is stationary.

Symbol in the instrument panel

SymbolExplanation

P5-1507-XC90-USA-parking brake warning symbol1

P5-1507 Symbol Park brake2

The symbol flashes while the parking brake is being applied.

If the symbol flashes at any other time, this indicates a fault. See the message in the instrument panel.

Automatic function

The parking brake is applied automatically:

  • If the Auto Hold function is activated and the vehicle has been stationary for approx. 5 minutes.
  • If the gear selector is moved to P on a steep hill.
  • When the engine is turned off (this function can be selected, see "Parking brake settings" below).

Emergency braking

In an emergency, the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving by pressing and holding up the control. Braking will be interrupted when the control is released.

An audible signal will sound during this procedure if the vehicle is moving at higher speeds.

Releasing the parking brake

P5-1507-parking brake release

Releasing manually

Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Press the control.
This releases the parking brake and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.

Releasing automatically

The driver must fasten his/her seat belt.
Start the engine.
Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Move the gear selector to D or R and press the accelerator pedal.
This releases the parking brake and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.

 Note

  • For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engine is running and the driver is wearing a seat belt.
  • The electric parking brake will be released immediately when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the gear selector is in position D or R.

Parking on a hill

Put the gear selector in P.

  • If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.
  • If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.

The parking brake should also be applied.

 Warning

Always apply the parking brake when parking on hills or uneven surfaces.

Heavy load uphill

A heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the vehicle to roll backward when the parking brake is released automatically on a steep incline. To help avoid this:

Keep the electric parking brake control pushed in.
While pressing the accelerator pedal to pull away, release the parking brake control only after the vehicle begins to move.

Parking brake settings

Automatically setting the parking brake can be turned on or off in the center display's Top view.

Tap Settings in Top view.
Tap My CarElectric Parking Brake and deselect Auto Activate Parking Brake.
  1. 1 US models
  2. 2 Canadian models