It Never Fails :(

[Joshua Caldwell]

The problem was that the parking brake wasn't fully releasing. However after pumping it a half dozen+ times it finally does and told me to come back after the trip for an actual fix.

 

[Snick]

Ah, cable style? They need lubing too. Or replacing. VW's are famous for them rusting stuck yearly up in the NW. I used to have to replace mine annually. Another hidden $45/year maintenance cost...booooh.

 

[Lil4X]

Good ideas here. At least your Elio will have one less caliper to worry about.