How to Adjust a Mazda3 Emergency Brake

You will know it's time to adjust the emergency brake on your Mazda 3 when you park downhill and it starts slipping. You don't need a mechanic to make this quick, easy and affordable repair. Check the owner's manual to make sure this adjustment is correct for your vehicle's year.

Instructions

1

Start the vehicle and press down and release the brakes four times. Turn off the engine.

2

Remove the hooks from the center console and lift off the cover. The center console is located in the inside front of the car between the driver's and the passenger's seats.

3

Adjust the nut under the console by tightening it with pliers.

4

Place wheel chocks behind the front wheels.

5

Lift up the parking brake handle one click. Turn the engine on and look at the control panel. You should see the parking brake light.

6

Release the parking brake and lift up the rear of the car with a jack. Slide floor jacks next to the two rear wheels and lower the car onto them. Spin the rear wheels forward and backwards with your hands. They should spin freely and easily.

7

Raise the car a bit with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground and remove the wheel chocks. Hook the center console cover back in place.