If your parking brake is engaged and you can't release it using the regular parking brake lever, the problem is likely one of the following:
* Cable is stuck: The cable itself might be frozen, rusted, or seized within its sheath. This often happens in cold or wet climates. You'll need to lubricate the cable (usually accessible near the lever and under the car near the rear brakes) and potentially work the lever back and forth to free it. Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) applied liberally and allowed to soak is your friend here.
* Brake shoes or drums are seized: This is more likely if the car has been sitting unused for a long time. The brake shoes or drum might be rusted or stuck to the drums, preventing release. This requires accessing the rear brakes (usually involves removing wheels and drum/rotor assembly) and manually freeing the components.
* Internal mechanism failure within the parking brake lever: The mechanism in the console that releases the cable might be broken. This usually requires replacement of the lever assembly.
* Problem in the rear brake mechanism itself: A problem with the rear brakes themselves (e.g., a broken cable inside the rear brake assembly) will prevent the release.
In short: You don't release a single cable. You need to troubleshoot the reason the parking brake won't release. If you are uncomfortable working on your brakes, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly functioning brakes are a serious safety hazard. Attempting repairs yourself without proper knowledge could make the situation worse and potentially dangerous.
