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1998 Cadillac Eldorado Vacuum Brake Release Switch Can Fail

The vacuum release actuator for the parking brake may fail, preventing the parking brake from releasing automatically. Our technicians remind us that there is a mechanical release lever on the park brake ratchet you may use if the park brake does not release automatically. (Care should be taken when manually releasing the park brake!)

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Cadillac Eldorado model years 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, .

28 people reported this problem

  • 1998 85,000 Miles
    Emergency brake failed to release automatically on a vacation trip. The next morning it released and my mechanic showed me the manual release lever. The problem persists pending some shop time to replace the switch, actuator, or leaky vacuum hose (I hope).
  • 1998 105,000 Miles
    Parking Brake does not release automatically.
  • 1998 70,000 Miles
    I have to reach under dash to manually release my parking brake.
  • 1998 60,876 Miles
    Parking brake won't auto release when taking out of park. Have to use manual release lever.
  • 1998 106,000 Miles
    Parking brak will not release. Must use the manual release on brake.
  • 1998 119,649 Miles
    I decided to engage the parking brake unaware on how it worked. You need to pump the break several times to engage. But then i realized it didn't release when shifting into drive. So i looked where the parking brake is with a flashlight. I noticed there is a small square lever to the left of the brake. You have to look carefully or else you won't notice it. You press on it QUICKLY with your thumb. That will release the parking brake and the car will move slightly. DO THIS WITH CAR TURNED OFF IN PARKING POSITION.
  • 1998 100,000 Miles
    parking brake releases intermitantly

Cadillac Eldorado 1998 Common Problems