this is just a FYI

with colder weather, you may find, at quite an inopportune time, that there is no tension in the handbrake lever as you release it. Soon you may notice that handbrakes are still somewhat engaged even with the lever released, ignoring which will cause your rear wheels to start smoking. You may find yourself by the side of the road on Yonge and Major Mac, hitting the centre of rear disc with a screw driver handle hoping it would unseize

anyway, now the good news:

handbrake cables for a 1G AWD is only $28ea at UAP/NAPA and they can get it in one day, replacement is very very easy, so if your cables dont grab the way they should, or dont release all the way, replace them before you too are on the side of the road hitting the centre of the rotors with whatever you happen to find in your trunk

I found this to be caused by misture or whatever getting inside the cable and freezing.

I tried reaching the cable around the wheel and shaking it.

Either way it shouldn't happen so a new cable would help.

How hard is it to change that puppy? I was always under the impression that it is a bitch!

Amin,

Its not too bad its harder to do the inside portion than the outside. You could do a set in an hour or so...

Had to replace mine for safety. Easier than most cars!

Tip:
Wear goggles and a dust mask when working on the cables under the car. Rust a'kimble!