[2003 Vibe GT] Parking Brake Not Working

[LarryKingsShoes]

Greetings!I just bought a used 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT this weekend and have noticed something that's caused some concern.My GT has the 6 speed manual transmission so I have to pull the emergency brake up when I'm parking to prevent rolling. Today I was parking before class and noticed that I would roll back if I was in neutral and had the brake up. I shut the car off and put the gear in reverse and it still rolled back. I also tried some of the other gears with similar results.This is my first car with a manual transmission, though it's not the first time I've driven one. I'm used to pulling the brake up, shutting the car off, and putting it in either reverse or first. I've never had a problem with a car rolling.Could it be that my parking brake is going out? I'm concerned about it because I don't want it rolling into a street while I'm inside or at class. Or perhaps I'm just not parking correctly? It makes me sound like a noobie but I suppose I can't be sure about anything. If I do end up having to replace the brake system, would it be something that I could do in my driveway or is it a complicated procedure? I have very limited exposure to repairing cars but my brothers and brother-in-law may have a better understanding of how to work on it. If it is a tricky procedure, I may end up just taking it to the dealer and asking about getting a discount on the work so I can have a more experienced person handle it.I appreciate any advice that you guys may have! Overall, I'm very happy with my Vibe. The six speed really adds a lot to the "fun factor" of the ride. If I can get this little problem worked out, my mind will be at ease.Best,Justin

[lovemyraffe]

Welcome to GenVibe!It sounds like you have a problem with both the parking brakes and the transmission. If you put the car in 1st or Reverse, it should hold it in place without the parking brake on some hills. If it isn't holding at all, there is a transmission issue.

[LarryKingsShoes]

Thanks for the welcome!I'm parked out in my apartment lot right now and it's not rolling. I have it in 1st, I believe. I had a buddy of mine try pushing me backward and it wouldn't budge. The parking lot at the school was a much steeper gradient but I would have imagined that the gear would still stop the car. I didn't even think about the possibility of a transmission problem.I've only driven the car about 200 miles since I got it on Saturday but I haven't noticed anything weird about the transmission. Do you know of anything I could try doing to test the transmission? I'll probably just end up taking it into the shop and asking about it there.Thanks for the quick response. You've got a heck of a nice vibe in your signature. Those rims look sick!

[bassplayaz06]

on a hill, without the brake on, it will roll back a few inches. then it will try to rotate the engine. so if on a backwards hill, put it in reverse. and a forward hill, firsst so if it does roll down, it won't try to force the engine the wrong way. as for the handbrake, either it isn't adjusted right, or the pads are completely worn out from someone driving off a bit too far with the brake on. as mom has with my car... haha. I'd say take the rear rotors off and check out the handbrake pads.

[LarryKingsShoes]

Ah, I'll check that out as well. My older brother is obsessed with brakes so I'm sure he'd be more than willing to lend a hand with that. On a side note, do you happen to play bass?

[bassplayaz06]

haha yes, i do actually. i've been playing for 3 years now. Dad taught me how to play. he's also been playing since he was 17.

[LarryKingsShoes]

Very nice! It's cool to meet a fellow bassist on the Vibe forums. I was actually initially drawn to the hatchback because I should be able to fit my 810 in the back with the seats folded down while still maintaining decent fuel economy.

[bassplayaz06]

haha same reason dad bought it. we had a chevy conversion van, 97 camaro, and an 85 caprice. didnt really have a gig car til the vibe,