Handbrake not locking in

**RichT4** · Friday 20th December 2013, 20:27

As titled, it's a temperamental issue, the handbrake clicks in sometimes but not all the time when lifting it up to hold.
Find myself having to lift up and down several times or pull up really hard before it locks in.

ATM I don't have this problem all the time. Common issue?

**JUDGENINJA** · Friday 20th December 2013, 20:47

Not common, but very annoying.

I wonder if you've got some debris restricting the ratchet..?!

**RichT4** · Friday 20th December 2013, 20:57

Originally Posted by JUDGENINJA

Not common, but very annoying.

I wonder if you've got some debris restricting the ratchet..?!

I'll have to dismantle the surrounding unit I think to look.

**bongodave** · Friday 20th December 2013, 21:36

As you prob know, it's a ratchet and pawl system. The pawl is in the handbrake and pushes against a spring which is overridden by the handbrake button.

I haven't seen the Volvo one, but when I have come across this in the past it is usually a broken spring or it has come loose. This stops the pawl engaging with the ratchet and the lever slips as a result.

Should be an easy enough fix and not too expensive. Removing the cowling around the lever will be the trickiest part! lol.

Good luck with it.

**RichT4** · Saturday 21st December 2013, 00:15

Yes I do

I shall bear in mind the broken spring thanks!
How does the cowling come apart I wonder haha

**bongodave** · Saturday 21st December 2013, 00:41

Originally Posted by RichT4

Yes I do

I shall bear in mind the broken spring thanks!
How does the cowling come apart I wonder haha

Can't speak for other volvos, but fo '98 V70 you remove the rear ashtray and undo 2 torx screws, pull out gear and handbrake gaitors, undo connections for obd under arm rest and connections for heated seats by gearstick then pull upwards from back of console.