Handbrake lever will not go vertical

[StefanK]

I need again your help.

I want to dismount the cover of the transmission tunnel (sorry, that I have maybe not the right English vocabulary).
Therefor I unlocked the handbrake cable from underneath.

Problem is that the handbrake lever will not go in the upright position.
It stops at about 60 degree. From underneath I can see, that the handbrake mechanism contacts the gear box at about 60 degree and so the lever can not be pulled any further.

Has anybody had such a problem?

Best regards from Germany
StefanK

[marks3drtaz]

This is normal and you have to separate the console from the dash which can become stuck together over time, I used a plastic spatula to seperate then pull back the console as far as it goes and lift over the handbrake. It is very tight but it does just fit, also make note of the door cable route as they cross over and unplug the heater control ribbon by releasing the two side clips. DO NOT put the ignition on with the ribbon disconnected as this will cause the heater valve to continually rotate damaging the pot on the valve.

Mark

[StefanK]

Hi Mark,

you are right.
The console and the dash stuck(ed) together and I used a plastic spatula too to devide them.
But that's not the problem.
The problem is - in my case - that the hand brake lever will not go vertical and due to that I can not lift the console.

Best regards from Germany
StefanK

[phazed]

The handbrake does not go vertical as said above.

You have to wiggle and stretch the leather a bit until you find the correct position to lift the console.