Greetings Jag fans

Working on my first one I recently acquired. Its getting a check up a mechanic so haven't road tested it yet but have this question:

its an '89 v12 coupe

My question is about the hand brake. It sits to the left of the drivers seat and when you pull it up it has some resistance and the light on the dash lights up as if its on. Then just flops down again. Is this correct or is it supposed to ratchet up and stay up? Then the next obvious one is..how do you release it ?

Thanks

 

It's designed that way so you can exit the car with the handbrake engaged.

To release it you pull the handle upward until you hit some resistance and then press the button. If the button is sticking out, the brake is engaged even if the handle is on the floor.

It's quirky, and can be really fun if your suit or slacks have cuffed bottoms and you're in a hurry getting out of the car.

 

ha ! Good info

I was thinking there was a clever trick to it! Thank you very much

 

Yes - it is kind of weird and my pants always (!) get snagged - be careful!

On the release issue - my index finger (older now!) must not be designed to disengage the brake (it is rather awkward and painful to push in - even after I lubed everything well), so I now use a small metal (round) punch to accomplish the task. It allows me to keep the correct amount of pressure (pain free!) on the disengage button (for lack of a better phrase) as I lower the lever down.

Take care...

 

Odd, I would have thought that the thumb would be better to push the button in. I do that with mine.
RagJag

 

Ditto!

 

Odd? Well, perhaps my release button is different than some others?...it is recessed somewhat (as I recall) inside the handle. Maybe a 1992 thing?...I don't know. But, it works well now. I have worked out various kinks after my June purchase - all due to "garage queen" issues (low mileage, non-use, I strongly suspect). It's possible my release button may have been affected by this issue...it was rather tight/clunky before I lubed it.

 

JLG, it sounds to me that your lever is out of adjustment, the button is spring loaded and should extend beyond the handle at all times so you use your thumb to push it.
It is possible that the plastic sleeve has ridden too far forward thus covering the button.
You could always try and glue a piece of round plastic (or a nice piece of varnished wood dowel) to the end of the button to extend it a bit!

 

Thanks Steve...bet you are correct!