I need to understand how my ebrake works

[cleo]

My ebrake seemed to not be working when I first bought the car several months ago. Yesterday, I turned the car off and applied the brake. I got out, pushed the car, front and back, and the brakes held. I was on a fairly level surface, so I don't have much faith in my test.

I got back in the car and as soon as I turned the ignition to the "on" position, the brake popped out. I thought if it was a vacuum-released ebrake, it is only supposed to release when you put the car in a forward gear?

I did a brief visual inspection and everything seemed okay. The brake light is not on. What should I be looking at?

 

[SHOZ123]

Brake System, Parking, Control Assemblies

An independent foot-operated parking brake control actuates the rear wheel brake shoes through a cable system.

The parking brake warning indicator can be actuated by the parking brake control. It warns the driver to release the parking brake control before driving the vehicle. If the indicator remains lit, a brake malfunction has occurred.

The automatic (vacuum) release parking brake control is optional equipment.

On the automatic vacuum-type parking brake system, the vacuum power unit with mounting bracket is bolted to the control assembly.

The vacuum-actuated diaphragm within the unit is connected by a rod to the lower end of the release lever.

Hoses connect the vacuum motor to the engine manifold through a vacuum release switch at the steering column or floor shifter.

The vacuum motor is actuated to release the parking brake whenever the engine is running and the transmission is in a forward driving gear.

To manually release the automatic vacuum-type parking brake, a T-handle extends from the lower portion of the instrument panel, left of the steering column. Pulling on this handle releases the parking brake.

On the manually-released type, a T-handle extends from the lower portion of the LH side of the instrument panel. Pulling this handle releases the parking brake.