Before you begin ANY brake work, consult your owner's manual and consider if this is a job you're comfortable handling. If not, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
Here's a breakdown of potential problems and approaches:
1. Diagnose the Problem:
* Insufficient Parking Brake Hold: The most common reason. This could be due to worn brake shoes, low brake fluid, a stretched cable, or a problem with the parking brake mechanism itself (like a broken spring or lever).
* Parking Brake Drags: The parking brake doesn't fully release. This is usually caused by a cable that's too tight or a seized mechanism in the rear calipers or drums.
2. Potential Adjustment Points (and cautions):
* There's NO easily accessible external cable adjustment on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee's parking brake system. Unlike some older vehicles, the adjustment is largely internal to the rear brake assemblies.
* Rear Brake Shoes/Drums: If the parking brake is weak, the most likely culprit is worn or improperly adjusted rear brake shoes (if drum brakes) or the parking brake mechanism within the rear calipers (if disc brakes). Adjusting these requires removing the wheel, inspecting the brake components, and potentially replacing worn parts. This is a more involved process requiring specialized tools and knowledge.
* Cable Replacement (Last Resort): A severely stretched or damaged cable will need replacing. This is a significant job involving removing parts of the undercarriage to access the cable's routing.
3. Steps IF you suspect the cable itself (proceed with caution!):
Even if you suspect the cable, isolating it as the *sole* problem is difficult. If you've already ruled out other issues, and you're mechanically inclined and comfortable working with brakes:
* Consult a repair manual specific to your 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. These manuals provide detailed diagrams and instructions for accessing and potentially adjusting (though likely replacing) the parking brake cable.
* Safety First: Use jack stands and chocks, and never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Cable Replacement is usually the solution: You'll need to carefully trace the cable's route, detach it at its connection points (likely near the rear calipers/drums and at the lever mechanism inside the vehicle), and install a new cable. This is NOT a simple task.
In summary: Trying to adjust the emergency brake cable on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee directly is unlikely to be successful. The problem almost certainly lies in the rear brake system itself (worn shoes/pads, etc.). Professional diagnosis and repair is highly recommended. Improper brake work is extremely dangerous.
