I pulled up my emergency brake and then released it. It has all play and does pull up with all play in the handle. The emergency brake light is on the dashboard but I cannot seem to release it by the emergency brake handle. The rear tires are almost locked. But 9 managed to move it a little to put in the garage. Would anyone know what is the issue and how I can correct it.

 

The brake will always have play in it. Since the handle is in between the door and the seat it is always at the bottom so you can get out without having to climb over it. Check the forum for other threads about the brake. I belive the proper release procedure is pull the handle up, pull the handle up more, push-button on the end of handle, hold button and lower the handle. Your brakes can disengage but the light can remain on due to problems with the switch. I am surprised that your tires are locked because many say the the brake is sub par and provided minimal resitance.

 

Rollins is 100% correct. Follow his instructions

Z

 

It's funny (funny strange) to me how many people can't figure out how the parking brake on these cars work. (No disrespect to OP). I took my car into a state safety inspection station and the first thing the guy said was that the parking (emergency) brake didn't work. He was lifting the limp handle thinking it was broken. So, I had to reach in pull up the handle with some force, push the button, hold the button, and lower the handle. I do tend to put the parking brake on fairly tightly because it doesn't hold terribly well. I have to get another annual inspection tomorrow, so wish me luck. I really don't want to have to dig into the parking brake pads !

 

I've had a 2001 XK8 and 2004 XKR. On both the hand brake is virtually worthless. I had to pill it up forcefully to keep it from rolling in neutral on almost flat ground. Both had new brakes the 2004 onky about 4K on new brakes. So I'm surprised too.

 

you do know the e-brake has a separate drum / shoe arrangement. As least it does on the ‘02 XKR I drive. New pads and rotors have no effect on the handbrake operation .

however, even when it’s operating correctly it does a fair amount of effort to operate.

Z

 

Tightening up the slack in the cable assembly underneath the vehicle can improve the operation of the emergency brake system. That action allowed me to pass an initial inspection fail several years ago....

 

+1 on the 'mediocre at best' school of thought.

I replaced the shoes not too long ago as they looked very glazed, probably due to the close relative of mine occasionally driving the car with the brake on until he fixed the switch.

...no noticeable difference (linkages are adjusted OK)

 

No I didn't know that but i wouod assume any good brake mechanic would make proper adjustments.
thanks