That nifty little lock for the handbrake has, as i can best describe it "popped out" of the handbrake about a half inch. with the pin in the locked position and the handbrake fully on. what can i do? I need to drive to work at half 8.

Pull the handbrake lever out even more, turn the button to the unlocked position, then reach under the dash and press the pawl out of contact with the ratchet.

Afterwards, try not to use the handbrake until it's adjusted properly, or new pads fitted...

ken

What does the pawl look like Ken? is it the bit that sticks up that looks like it should engage the notches on the handbrake? if so mines past all of the notches and i cant seem to move it?
Joe.

Joe,
it _will_ move if you can manage to move the button to the 'unlock' position.
Might help if you can get someone else to pull on the handle while you have a look at the mechanism.
The pawl has come right off the end of the ratchet and needs to be pushed downwards to let the handle slide back in.

Yep, sorted it now Ken, thanks for your help. How can the handbrake adjust itself? because 2 weeks ago 5 clicks would have fully engaged the handbrake, whereas now it hits 10!

It doesn't take long to wipe out the pads if you forget to release the handbrake.

Or, one of the clamping bolts was a bit loose and the adjustment of its eccentric has been lost...

ken

With the icy roads of recent, i wouldn't rule out the likelihood of the handbrake being left on.
Thanks for your help Ken.