I have a previous post about adjusting the parking brake. When I make the adjustment using the star wheel, it behaves normally-_adjusting one way makes it stop the rotor from turning, etc. At the pedal, I have the screw adjustment almost all the way down. I get the typical amount of tension in the pedal, but no braking. Could it be a frozen cable? I read that this is a common problem with Toyotas. If it is, is there a way to un-stick it? Changing out the cable is a gnasty job.

 

First, determine if a brake cable is frozen or its the mechanism the cable attaches to at the wheel E-brake.

The service manual shows the "E-brake" cable from the peddle goes to an "equalizer" which connects it to the two "brake" cables. Determine if this equalizer is under the floorboard/chassis as in accessible from under the car without having to take the inside of car apart. If so, have someone press on the peddle as you observe the cable movement at the equalizer and of each brake cable it attaches to. Perhaps a brake cable is frozen or the part the cable attaches to at the brake.

One could disconnect the brake cables from the equalizer to determine if the E-brake cable is frozen.

One should be able to manually attempt to move the E-brake arm at the brake itself to determine if it is frozen.

Does the area you live have icy roads requiring salt and this salt get into the E-brake cable to cause rust? If so then then check this area of the cable and sheath.

The internet has LOTS of info including videos on freeing a stuck E-brake cable!

Until you find the problem suggest not forcing the peddle less a cable break.