GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

Important: This vehicle utilizes a self-tensioning, or self-adjusting park brake cable system. The park brake system does not require adjustment under normal operating conditions. The tension on the park brake cables can be disabled and enabled when necessary during service of the disc brake and/or the park brake system.

  1. Apply and fully release the park brake lever several times. Verify that the park brake lever releases completely.
  2. Turn ON the ignition. Verify the red BRAKE warning lamp is not illuminated.
  3. If the red BRAKE warning lamp is illuminated, verify the following:
  4. • The park brake lever is in the fully released position and against the stop.
    • There is no slack in the park brake cables.
  5. Turn OFF the ignition.
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  7. With the park brake lever fully released, check the park brake apply levers on the rear calipers. The apply levers should be against the stops on the caliper housings. If the apply levers are not against the stops, binding may exist.
  8. Fully apply and release the park brake lever 3-5 times in order for the cable tensioner to take up any slack in the park brake cables.
  9. Fully apply the park brake lever, tension should be felt on the lever by pulling the lever less than one full pull.
  10. Attempt to rotate the rear brake rotors. There should be no rotation forward or rearward.
  11. Fully release the park brake lever.
  12. Verify the park brake is released by rotating the rear brake rotors. The rotors should rotate freely and exhibit no brake drag.
  13. Lower the vehicle.