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Electric handbrake is stuck - how can I switch it off?

We have a Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. It was left a couple of weeks on the drive and now the handbrake is stuck. It's an electric parking break and it makes all of the right noises when the break is disengaged, but the car will not move and I've given it quite a lot of revs. Any ideas on how I can fix this?

Asked on 13 January 2016 by DaveUK666

Answered by Honest John
Unfortunately, if it won't unstick by a sharp jolt, then the likelihood is either that the metallic content of the break pads has fused to the brake discs or one or both of the electromechanical rear brake motors has suffered moisture ingress and failed.
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