The proper precedure starts at the rear wheels .Remove them and you will see a black plug remove it .Once this is done you can rotate the rotor untill the star wheel adjuster for the e-brake is visible .Adjust this star wheel adjuster using a long thin flat blade screw driver untill the rotor is locked then back off jsut a bit till it spins again .Do this on both sides remembering that it must be done with the e-brake handle in the fully released position .Reasemble the rear of the car .Now inside the car you must remove the rear of the center console and lift it to make the final adjustment .This is done so that the e-brake handle fully locks the rear wheels with about six to seven clicks .Removing the rear half of the center console is easy ,start by removing the two trim strip that are on each side of the center console .They simply snap into place .Now remove the two screws that attach the leading edge of the rear portion of the center console .Then remove the little scrap of carpeting in the center console itself and remove the two screws there .The console can now be moved out of the way .Please not there is a single electrical connector that you must disconnect you will see it as you begin to pull the console out .It helps if you fully engage the e-brake handle for clearance...Jens

Originally posted by civic4982
does anyone know how to tighten the cable on the hand brake so you don't have to pull it up as high? The dealership wanted $24.00 to tighten it. I was like WTF? They did it last time under warranty but I don't know why the guy wouldn'd do it this time.

Minor Adjustment
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up one click.
3. Remove the rear console mat and cover (see page 20-57).
4. Tighten the adjusting nut (A) until the parking brakes drag slightly when the rear wheels are turned.
5. Release the parking brake lever fully, and check that the parking brakes do not drag when the rear wheels are turned. Readjust if necessary.
6. Make sure the parking brakes are fully applied when the parking brake lever is pulled up fully.
7. Reinstall the rear console cover and mat.

Originally posted by Slimey
I just pulled out my Helm for you. There also seems to be instructions for a minor adjustment that doesn't involved taking the rear wheels off and adjusting the shoes. As I recall, Jens only recommended the major adjustment that I quoted above.

I don't see anything about the parking brake being self adjusting, but I may not be looking in the right spot. I think the regular brakes are, but I didn't think the parking brake is.

Anyway, I'm typing this from the Helm manual (quicker then scanning, uploading, etc -- I'm a fast typist). A properly adjusted parking brake should lock in 6 - 10 clicks.

Enjoy!

Originally posted by allmotor_2000
Hmm... whats the rear console and mat?? (behind the arm-rest?)

Originally posted by Smitty
The armrest inbetween the front seats.. open it up.. lift the piece of carpeted material up and get a stra8 screw driver and pry the plastic piece up and Waalaaa, there is your adjustment screw.