1993 Parking brake cable replacement. Does the auto tensioner need to be unwound?

[Fairlaniac]

I don't understand the auto tensioner and inserting the "pin" thing at the parking brake pedal. I cut my rear cables and replaced them. I have a new coupler on the end of the front cable, this is not a new cable. I have about 3-4" of gap to make up to connect the rear cable to the coupler. Does the automatic adjuster on the pedal take up the cable? Do I have to "unwind" the front cable? The Hayes manual I have doesn't seem to explain this well. Any help or ideas?

Thanks!