Electric Parking Brake - Lancia Thesis Owner's Handbook Manual

ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE

(EPB) (fig. 133)
The car is fitted with the EPB
(Electric Parking Brake) that cuts in
when switching the engine off and
will cut out when starting the engine
and pressing the accelerator pedal
(for manual gearbox versions when
releasing the clutch pedal at the
same time). The EPB can also be
disengaged manually by pressing
button A set on the central console
with engine running or ignition key
to MAR.
After disengaging the EPB manual-
ly, when opening the driver's door
the EPB will re-engage automatical-
ly, press button A again to disengage
it.
fig. 133
The button shape is rather large so
the brake can be engaged rapidly,
even by the passenger, in case of
emergency.
The advantages of this system, com-
pared to the usual lever, are several:
– no effort should be made to
engage and disengage the parking
brake
– the parking brake efficiency is
always at top level in any using con-
dition, contrary to the lever which
guarantees the car complete stop only
when fully lifted
– the EPB is controlled by electric
wires, therefore all problems regard-
ing transmission cables, such as
adjustments, freezing or tears, no
longer exist
– improved safety as a result of the
sophisticated electronic control sys-
tem, similar to the ABS one, prevent-
ing wheels from blocking if the park-
ing brake is engaged during driving
– improved safety when the car is
stationary and children are left
inside the car; in this case the brake
cannot be disengaged if the ignition
key is at STOP or removed
– it has automatic functions that
other systems lack.
When the parking brake is engaged
and the ignition key is at MAR, the
instrument panel warning light x
turns on.
This warning light turns on when
the parking brake reaches its highest
working level, and it turns off when
the brake is disengaged and com-
pletely released. Unlike usual park-
ing brakes, whose warning light
turns on even when the lever is lift-
ed a little bit, the EPB system warn-
ing light turns on only when the car
has come to a complete stop.
When the brake is engaged, a typi-
cal noise can be heard by the driver;
the parking brake is completely
engaged or disengaged when the
operating noise stops.
When engaging the park-
ing brake keep the brake
pedal always depressed.
175