2011 JK Parking Brake

S

SteveB

New Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2021
Messages
4
Location
Livingston, Texas
We love our 2011 JK Rubicon but 2 apparent design flaws have been frustrating. (1) The brightness of the daytime running lights is pathetic. Yes, we can turn on the headlights each time we drive during the day, but has anyone found a way to brighten the pathetically dim daytime lights?
(2) Another inadequate design feature is the hand brake. We've asked the shop (dealers) on numerous occasions to try to adjust/tighten the parking break. It will not hold the vehicle at all. The only thing that does hold the vehicle is the transmission being in park. The brake does nothing.
Any solutions to these two issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
The hand brake is a common problem, there are You Tube Videos that show some fixes. Also I found if you pull it up and then release it and pull right back up sometimes it will hold.
 
I wasn't aware there were DRL on JK's. But I'd imagine you'd dislike the lack of light output via the stock headlamps. If that's the case, look on Amazon for replacement LED's such as these:

LX-LIGHT 7'' Round Black Cree LED Headlight High Low Beam Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK TJ LJ CJ Hummber H1 H2 (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B376YOE/?tag=jkforum-20

Have them on my Jeeps. It's been over 2 years now and it's def one of the best upgrades Ive done.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Anybodyhome
Threepointsix said:
I wasn't aware there were DRL on JK's. But I'd imagine you'd dislike the lack of light output via the stock headlamps. If that's the case, look on Amazon for replacement LED's such as these:

LX-LIGHT 7'' Round Black Cree LED Headlight High Low Beam Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK TJ LJ CJ Hummber H1 H2 (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B376YOE/?tag=jkforum-20

Have them on my Jeeps. It's been over 2 years now and it's def one of the best upgrades Ive done.
Click to expand...

My Jk has them but it's also a Canadian JK. I'm pretty sure JScan can delete them or add them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Threepointsix
brightness for the DRL? they aren't supposed to be bright are they, just enough for someone to see or am I missing something? the stock lights are horribly dim, I swapped mine out with 7" LEDS and never looked back.
 
Jscan allows you to chose which lights and the power for DRL.
I set mine to High beam, 50% with jscan.

As to the parking brake, I wouldn't leave it in neutral on a hill and depend on the brake to hold it. Not as good as the PB on my TJ, but it does border line work.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PellstonJKR
PellstonJKR said:
brightness for the DRL? they aren't supposed to be bright are they, just enough for someone to see or am I missing something? the stock lights are horribly dim, I swapped mine out with 7" LEDS and never looked back.
Click to expand...
No, they are not supposed to be bright, but they should at least be clearly visible. Ours are so dim that it requires a 2nd look to verify that they are actually on. They are that dim. I will try resetting the DRL to look more like low beams as suggested by one of our readers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PellstonJKR
Without hijacking the thread, is the e-brake on the JK's a known weak point?

When I first purchased my JKU (used, new to me) the e-brake was non-existant. Took it to my local brake guy and he got it working 100%. Saved me the hassle because it was so cheap I couldn't be bothered to fuss with it myself.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mrjp
Threepointsix said:
I wasn't aware there were DRL on JK's. But I'd imagine you'd dislike the lack of light output via the stock headlamps. If that's the case, look on Amazon for replacement LED's such as these:

LX-LIGHT 7'' Round Black Cree LED Headlight High Low Beam Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK TJ LJ CJ Hummber H1 H2 (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B376YOE/?tag=jkforum-20

Have them on my Jeeps. It's been over 2 years now and it's def one of the best upgrades Ive done.
Click to expand...

I second these headlights. Couple years on mine as well and couldn't be happier.
With respect to the DRLs, I replaced my factory fogs to match the headlights with these:

1640025440761.png


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015X0WIM4/?tag=jkforum-20

And I programmed them as my DRLs using JScan.
As for the parking brake.... wish I could help- I don't use mine. Matter of fact, the only time I even pull up the handle is when I'm cleaning the interior. A stray french fry will fall down there.....lol.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vman, mrjp and Threepointsix
Threepointsix said:
@Anybodyhome lol - that stray french fry! Hate when that happens :)

Those are nice looking DRL's. Thank you
For posting this, because I could use those to complete the look of my front bumper.
Click to expand...
Yeah, if you thought your factory headlights sucked, wait til you install these fogs- they're really good!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vman and Threepointsix
Top Bottom