How To Reset Parking Brake Light - Vehicle Freak

• Emma Davies

Updated on September 14, 2022

Your car is a clever piece of machinery that we have learned to depend on over the years. It allows us to travel from one destination to the next with ease so there is no shock if you feel a bit frazzled when a dash light illuminates at times when it shouldn’t.

When we start our car the dash lights come on and quickly go off to show that the car is running as it should. Before you pull off the only light that will stay illuminated will be the parking brake light. But what happens when your parking brake light won’t go off and how do you reset it?

What Is The Parking Brake Light?

Essentially the role of this symbol is to alert the driver that they are safely parked with the brake on. Typically you will find the symbol is a ‘P’ or ‘!’ between two brackets. It is red in color to alert you as the driver you cannot drive whilst the parking brake is on.

As soon as the parking brake is released then this light should automatically go off allowing the car to move freely.

What To Do If It Doesn’t Go Off?

If the parking brake light stays on even after it has been released there could be an issue with the braking system of the car. The light has indicated one or more of the following issues:

Brake not lowered fully

This happens to me on many occasions, if the light doesn’t go off check the hand brake to ensure that it is completely off.

Faulty switch

The switch itself could be at fault here. The light will stay on if there is any pressure on the brake cable but if you are confident that it is off completely then it could be the switch that needs addressing.

Braking System Fault

This means that even though you have released the brake, the car’s system won’t release it. In hindsight, the light will stay on to alert you there is an issue.

Brake Fluid issues

You may be surprised to find out that if your brake fluid is low then the sensors will activate this light. Driving with low or uneven brake fluid could mean that your braking capabilities are significantly hindered and you must address it as soon as possible.

If The Parking Brake Light Comes On What Should I Do?

We have identified why the light may come on or stay illuminated but what should be your next steps in this situation?

The recommendations would be if any light on the dash becomes illuminated then pulling over as soon as it is safe to do so is a must!

Once you are at a safe place to stop, turn the engine off and restart the car. This may reset the computer management system and turn off any lights that aren’t necessary. If the light is still on then check the brake fluid first!

Uneven brake fluid or low fluid will make stopping your vehicle in an emergency extremely difficult especially if you are on a highway going at a high speed.

Once the fluid levels have been checked and topped up if needed then wait a while before starting your car, it will allow the sensors to read the levels and hopefully turn off the warning light.

If the light doesn’t go off then you should seek professional advice as it could be an issue with the brake pads or calipers. Driving when there is a potential issue with this part of your car can cause accidents and leave you out of control when driving.

How Do I Reset My Parking Brake Light?

So you have checked everything over and can’t seem to find a fault with the parking system anywhere! This pesky little light is still blinding you, causing you to worry that it may be more serious than you first thought. Here are a few ways in which the light can be reset so it doesn’t stay on without there being any issues.

Double-checking the parking handle

If the handle isn’t lowered fully then the parking brake light will stay on. A simple check to see if it is lowered completely may be all it takes for the light to deactivate.

Replenish brake fluid

As mentioned previously the issue could be with the fluid levels. Once the sensors detect a low reading the parking brake light will come on and stay on until the problem is rectified.

The brake fluid reservoir is usually located on the driver’s side of the car under the hood. Once this has been topped up the sensors should detect it and turn off the light.

Spot any brake fluid leaks

Being aware of any leaking will help diagnose the issue. If you notice or suspect there could be a leak that is causing the problem then you should take your car to a mechanic to ensure the issue is solved.

Switch Issues

The dashboard lights only become illuminated when the signal is sent through the circuit wires. If one or more of these wires becomes compromised in any way then this can give you a false warning signal. The braking system of your car may be working perfectly but a worn or loose wire may wish to tell you another story.

Faulty Sensors

Just like the wires, the sensors in the fluid reservoir may be at fault. They are responsible for sending the warning signal and if these are not working or at fault then they can be the cause of your false alarm.

ABS (Anti Lock Braking System)

Your car has a main internal computer and it is here where the ABS system will be configured every time you use your car. If you suspect that the ABS may be to blame then your local car mechanic can help to diagnose the issue and eradicate any problems.

FAQs

Why Is My Brake Light Still on After Changing My Brakes?

Once you have changed your brakes you may need to drive a little to reset the system. ensure that your parking brake is completely off before traveling.

How Do I Get My Emergency Brake Unstuck?

Try setting and releasing the parking brake a few times to see if this helps to unlock the brakes. If this doesn’t work you may need a professional to look at the system.

Can You Drive With Parking Brake On?

It is possible to drive your car with the parking brake light on. Some people don’t realize until they are on their journey! If the parking brake is on even slightly it will cause the light to illuminate without locking the wheels.

Is the Parking Brake the Emergency Brake?

The parking brake works differently from the brake pedal in your car. If your primary brakes fail then the parking brake otherwise known as the emergency brake can stop your car from rolling.

Conclusion

Overall the light management system within your car is there to alert you to an issue that may go unnoticed. If the lights on the dash are illuminated then you really should stop and check your vehicle for any signs of damage and get them repaired as soon as possible.

With this in mind, it is not uncommon for light management systems to fail as well. So if you or a mechanic cannot identify the issue as to why the lights are on then it could be a circuit failure.

Always ensure that if the parking brake light comes on that the issue is rectified and is not something that could lead to a dangerous and more costly problem.

Happy Driving!

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