550 Park Light

Try pulling up and riding the lever down slowly. Sometimes the handle will be down but the brake may still be partially engaged.

 

Releasing the parking brake is one of the most frustrating experiences for a new 550 owner and requires "thumbs of steel". It's also part of the "charm" of this car, as only the Italians could come up with a mechanism this hard to operate and so dysfunctional

1. Pick up the lever until you "feel" the brake engage

2. Press the thumb button in as far as you can and hold it - this is key

3. Pick up the lever a little further - maybe an inch or two, then push it back down all the way to the floor.

4. Release the thumb button

The above is best done with the door open so you can get a straight shot at picking the lever up and pushing it back down.

After you've mastered it (or think you have), now try doing it when you're stuck in traffic on a hill, while letting out the clutch so you don't roll into the car behind you.