Storing for winter - disable parking brake?

[Ddigg]

Has anyone had success in disabling the parking brake when storing their car. I've left the parking brake dis-engaged, but it always seems to be re-engaged when I get back

 

[Black 03 Z06]

I am not sure it is your e brake that is re engaged. I find what happens when the car is washed it that the rotors get a film of rust on them, the longer the car sits like this the worse it gets. The pads seem to get stuck to the rotor so when you move the car you get a "bang" for lack of a better word when the car initially moves. Once the film of rust wears off the problem goes away (usually just a couple of rotations with the brakes applied). I suspect that water in the callipers and some surface rust in them contributes to the problem.

If you are saying that you don't put the e brake on but later the e brake handle is actually engaged then you need to call The Ghostbusters (Corvette Division) right away!

 

[Keith Tedford]

With our 2005, the emergency brake is a manual handle on the console. It can't engage itself. If the cables stick internally, they could prevent a full release. I think that the previous post is what you are actually seeing. Our 2005 Jimmy, with four wheel disc brakes does the same thing.

 

[tyho]

I am not sure it is your e brake that is re engaged. I find what happens when the car is washed it that the rotors get a film of rust on them, the longer the car sits like this the worse it gets. The pads seem to get stuck to the rotor so when you move the car you get a "bang" for lack of a better word when the car initially moves. Once the film of rust wears off the problem goes away (usually just a couple of rotations with the brakes applied). I suspect that water in the callipers and some surface rust in them contributes to the problem.

If you are saying that you don't put the e brake on but later the e brake handle is actually engaged then you need to call The Ghostbusters (Corvette Division) right away!

I get the same happening on my C7. After the initial "release" the brakes seem to work fine.

 

[Ddigg]

I am not sure it is your e brake that is re engaged. I find what happens when the car is washed it that the rotors get a film of rust on them, the longer the car sits like this the worse it gets. The pads seem to get stuck to the rotor so when you move the car you get a "bang" for lack of a better word when the car initially moves. Once the film of rust wears off the problem goes away (usually just a couple of rotations with the brakes applied). I suspect that water in the callipers and some surface rust in them contributes to the problem.

If you are saying that you don't put the e brake on but later the e brake handle is actually engaged then you need to call The Ghostbusters (Corvette Division) right away!

Normally I would agree with you, except the C7 has a electronic e-brake. When returning to the car, the e-brake dash indicator is illuminated, indicating that the brake is engaged.

 

[Keith Tedford]

Now, there is what we always want, more electronics. When I worked at GM there were more electricians than any other trade.....for a reason. GM still hasn't figured out the active handling/traction control problem that some Corvettes have and that one goes back to the C5s.

 

[carbuff]

Has anyone had success in disabling the parking brake when storing their car. I've left the parking brake dis-engaged, but it always seems to be re-engaged when I get back

I can confirm That is NOT normal, at least not on the automatic 2015 model.

 

[tyho]

I can confirm That is NOT normal, at least not on the automatic 2015 model.

2015 z51 standard as well. Haven't seen this.

 

[Ddigg]

2015 z51 standard as well. Haven't seen this.

Hmm... Thanks for the confirmation that this is not normal.

 

[Black 03 Z06]

I had no idea it was electronic. Us older guys with older models still have to to do stuff manually. Who knew. LOL.

Good luck getting to the bottom of this but almost every time something electronic goes haywire with these cars it relates back to low battery voltage. Possible?

 

[Ntmd8r]

On my Manual C7, I also get the "clunk" after I have washed the car, and let it sit.
This is due to the brake pads "affixing" to the rotors (slight rust buildup).
When I move it (roll it a bit) the "clunk" happens, and then all is fine.

I have an enclosed heated garage, which has a level floor, so when I park it,
I do NOT engage the parking brake.

When I start the car up later, of course all the dash indicator lights come on,
including the "parking brake" indicator. But, after cycling, that light does go out,
along with all the other indicator lights.

If yours does stay on, and you have NOT engaged the parking brake, then you do need
to see your friendly (?) Chevy dealer.

 

[Ddigg]

On my Manual C7, I also get the "clunk" after I have washed the car, and let it sit.
This is due to the brake pads "affixing" to the rotors (slight rust buildup).
When I move it (roll it a bit) the "clunk" happens, and then all is fine.

I have an enclosed heated garage, which has a level floor, so when I park it,
I do NOT engage the parking brake.

When I start the car up later, of course all the dash indicator lights come on,
including the "parking brake" indicator. But, after cycling, that light does go out,
along with all the other indicator lights.

If yours does stay on, and you have NOT engaged the parking brake, then you do need
to see your friendly (?) Chevy dealer.

Thanks Ntmd8r, likely this is the case I am having. I haven't had a chance yet to validate that the parking brake light is just cycling normally, I'll verify today or tomorrow.

 

[Ddigg]

Ok, so my e-brake works as describe by Ntmd8r. The confusion ( on my part arose) due to a combination of two factors - The length of time the e-brake indicator stays on when starting the car, and that the dash will have an e-brake disengaging message even if the e-brake had not been engaged.
Thanks everyone.