With the center console out, I moved the handbrake full vertical and now the button gets stuck and does not spring back into position. I think I bent the rod. I tried using a screwdriver to push it back into the correct position - which works - but the button still doesn't pop back out. Anyone have a fix, or do I need a new lever?

Side note I've been thinking about converting to a foot pedal so I can make a custom center console, but not sure I have the energy in me to try and figure out a compatible setup right now... gotta get this girl back on the road right

 

Check the button, I’ve seen them stick & cause it not to ratchet after being fully raised.

I’ve pulled the button out, rotated it, and was able to get it working again.

 

I had that happen once when I pulled the parking brake handle as far as I could pull it up... Wiggled around a bit and it came back to normal. Don't pull so hard maybe...

 

How do you get the button out?

 

It’s glued onto the rod I think, but I used a small screwdriver to dig around the button and while pulling on it I got it to rotate & it fixed it from dragging.

Hard to explain but when the lever goes up to far the button either goes in to far or not out far enough & it causes it to just flop around vs lock into the tabs. I have fixed several this way & after that I’ve been careful not to ratchet em to far up.

 

Fixed! Bring the lever to full vertical, rotate the front of the lever arm that engages with the teeth from the front, so it's back over center, then lower the lever a bit, then insert a long flat head screwdriver in from behind so the flat head is parallel with the rod inside, then pull the flathead away, perpendicular to the rod, purpose being to bend the rod back into place. Hard to explain, but it works

 

I encountered this issue last night and between Best4x4 and Jeff Blake's advice I was able to get mine working again. I know this is a throw back thread but just wanted to say thanks guys! Saved me some time and cursing and dough.