About 6 months ago the parking brake would sometimes fail to release after I had washed the car and let it set in the garage. Then it would not release at all. I called the Jaguar Dealer Service manager, he said to disconnect the battery for 15 minutes. It worked for about a month. Then the same thing again. I called the Dealer again, I got a female serviceperson, told her my problem. She asked how old the battery was. Original battery, 6 years. She said to replace the battery even though it seemed fine, started the car after setting a couple of weeks, no problem with the battery. She told me that even though it seemed fine, the battery did not have enough power to release the parking brake. She recommended an Interstate Battery number MTP93.

With skepticism I replaced the battery. Problem solved, no parking brake release failure.

Jack

 

It's Almost Always The Battery..Good To Know All Is Well.

 

Yep, very common indicator of a failing battery.

 

I had the same problem (locking parking brake) that occurred intermittently over a three week period and it was the battery as well.

 

I would use the Bosch battery over the interstate. Be sure and get the properly vented battery and make sure whoever installs it hooks up the vent.

It's not hard but the vent is often overlooked by commercial places in a hurry to get you out of there.
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I have had bad luck with the Interstate Batteries on my Jag - I would also highly recommend the Bosch battery - which is what I have currently installed - zero issues, vented and direct fit replacement...

 

I also recommend bosch, I use bosch silver.

 

What would happen if the vent was not hooked up? My blue STR has an interstate battery and it does not have a vent.. that I know of..

 

Fumes from the battery are vented in the vehicle interior and also possible vent of battery acid into the trunk of the vehicle. Not a good thing.

Look on the top or side near the top of the battery, you will see a small round plastic tube on the side of the battery. Hopefully it will have a small tube running from the battery to the exterior of the vehicle.

Jack

 

I've had my '03 for 5 years now and as far as I'm aware, it still has the original battery. Got a 600w amp in the back too and haven't had any trouble yet.