Car has 25,000 miles. Today with the car stopped and foot still on master brake pedal, as I pulled the lever to set the handbrake, there was a "pop" sound after about two clicks on the detent and the handle went all the way up. Handbrake is not engaged. Handle goes down and up without any tension.

Of course I will be taking it to the dealer under original 4yr/50K mile warranty coverage, but I'm wondering if it is safe to drive? Could the possibly loose cable interfere with any of the drive train, i.e., get twisted around the drive shaft and really cause some harm? Fortunately, I was parking at home when this happened, so haven't driven it since.

I do not have a good visual of the routing of these components under my car--haven't had it up on a lift to have a look.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?

 

Although I'm not 100% sure, I'd say that if you look under the car and don't see anything hanging low (like a cable with a bunch of slack, etc.) you're probably okay to drive. I think cables are routed under the car through some mountings so even if a cable snapped, it's unlikely to be visible from under the car.

It's possible that something broke right where the cable and the handbrake lever connect. If so, there shouldn't be any risk of damage by driving.

The following document might give you a better idea of how the cables run:
replacing_both_handbrake_Bowden_cables.pdf

 

Appreciate the tips. There is nothing obvious hanging below the car. Looking at the PDF, it appears to be quite a repair job, unless they can fix it from the center console area. I'm glad I'm still under warranty!

 

you can not see under the car itis covered. need to take the cover off.

 

you should be ok for now until you get it fix, if you park the gear into P.
I only use the P and have only use the handbrake about 6 time in 3 years for only slops.