What an electronic parking brake is

In the manual example, the Electric Park Brake offers simple operation and some additional features that make the parking brake more convenient and useful. The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the vehicle, make sure the parking brake is applied, and be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.

You can engage the parking brake in two ways: manually, by applying the parking brake switch, or automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature in the Customer Programmable Features section of the Uconnect settings. In this truck, the switch is on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel, below the headlamp switch. Other vehicles put the switch in other places, so check your own owner's manual.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Electric Park Brake (EPB), page 190), read November 4, 2026.

How to apply the electronic parking brake

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on the switch momentarily. You may hear a slight sound from the back of the vehicle while the parking brake engages. Once it is fully engaged, the BRAKE telltale light in the instrument cluster and an indicator on the switch illuminate. If your foot is on the brake pedal while you apply it, you may notice a small amount of brake pedal movement.

The parking brake can be applied even when the ignition is OFF, but the BRAKE telltale light will not illuminate; it can only be released when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position. The manual also notes that the EPB Warning Light will illuminate if the switch is held for longer than 20 seconds in either the released or applied position, and goes out when you let go of the switch.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade, and apply the parking brake before placing the gear selector in PARK. Otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Electric Park Brake (EPB), pages 190 and 191), read November 4, 2026.

How to release the electronic parking brake

In the manual example, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN position to release the parking brake by hand:

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
2. Put your foot on the brake pedal.
3. Push the parking brake switch down momentarily.
4. Check that the BRAKE telltale light in the instrument cluster and the LED indicator on the switch go out.

You may hear a slight whirring sound from the back of the vehicle while the parking brake disengages, and you may notice a small amount of movement in the brake pedal. The manual warns to be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a collision.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Electric Park Brake (EPB), pages 190 and 191), read November 4, 2026.

Automatic apply, automatic release and SafeHold

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Electric Park Brake (EPB), Auto Park Brake and SafeHold, pages 190 to 192), read November 4, 2026.

Using the parking brake while moving

If exceptional circumstances make it necessary to engage the parking brake while the vehicle is moving, the manual example says to keep pulling up on the switch for as long as you want it engaged. The BRAKE telltale light illuminates, a continuous chime sounds, and the rear stop lamps illuminate automatically while the vehicle is still moving. Releasing the switch disengages the brake. If the vehicle is brought to a complete stop this way, the parking brake will remain engaged once the vehicle reaches approximately 3 mph (5 km/h).

The manual warns that driving with the parking brake engaged, or repeatedly using the parking brake to slow the vehicle, may cause serious damage to the brake system.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Electric Park Brake (EPB), page 191), read November 4, 2026.

Parking brake warning lights

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Electric Park Brake Warning Light, page 144; Electric Park Brake (EPB), pages 190 and 191), read November 4, 2026.

Brake Service Mode for rear brake work

With an electronic parking brake, the rear caliper piston can only be pushed back into the caliper bore after the EPB actuator is retracted. In the manual example, this is done by entering Brake Service mode through the Uconnect Settings, which guides you through the steps. The vehicle must be at a standstill, the parking brake must be released and the transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL; while in Service Mode the EPB Warning Light flashes continuously with the ignition in ON/RUN.

The manual recommends having your brakes serviced by an authorized dealer and only making repairs for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. It says to enter Brake Service mode only during brake service. After the work, the manual says to reset the system by making sure the vehicle is at a standstill, pressing the brake pedal with moderate force and applying the EPB switch.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Brake Service Mode, page 192), read November 4, 2026.

Brake service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

Our service department works on all makes and models. If a parking brake warning light stays on, the brake will not release, or you need rear brake work on a vehicle with an electronic parking brake, schedule a visit and tell us what you are seeing. For a manufacturer-specific repair, your owner's manual may direct you to that brand's dealer.

Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.