XJS Handbrake Stuck

[Fat Fairy]

Hi all. Does anyone know how to 'unlatch' the handbrake on a 1988 XJS? (Yes, I am aware it is a 'fly off' handbrake)

My car came home from a garage on a low loader, and the handbrake was hauled full-on. I have no room to pull the lever to dis-engage the ratchet.

I have tried to loosen and tighten the cable to get some freedom, but there isn't a lot of room down there!

All information greatly received.

FF

[SpeckledJim]

Seat out, cover off, screwdriver to disengage the ratchet?

[Fat Fairy]

SUCCESS! Seat out, (a mere 4 * bolts) not forgetting to unplug all 3 electrical connectors.
The hand brake has a shroud on the seat side. Remove shroud (1 phillips screw), there is the ratchet mechanism.
Place end of screwdriver on ratchet tooth, give a quick tap and it's free!
Adjust cable to suit.

Now, while the seat is out I've got a few little niggles I'd like to sort out.............

Thanks SJ.

[SpeckledJim]

And home for tea and medals.

Hurrah!

[fizmo100]

Now the handbrake is off you can drive your self over to the garage that locked it on and give the culprit a kick in the pants.

Those fly off handbrakes never fail to confuse - the last time mine went for an MOT the guy was driving it around his yard with the brake still on - not ideal with inboard brakes. I'm thinking of writing up a quick instruction leaflet to leave in the car when it's dropped off with anyone.