After turning on the car key, all the indicator lights on your vehicle will flash and quickly turn off. However, a few problems caused the parking brake system to stay on no matter what you do.
So, what is the reason, and how to reset parking brake light effectively?
This article helps you solve the above problems and provides useful information about this issue. Scroll down, and you’ll know next.
How To Reset Parking Brake Light Effectively?
The brake system warning light that stays on all the time is a sign of a mechanical problem. Usually, motorists can fix this problem at home on their own by performing the solutions below:
Method 1: Double-Check The Brake Lever And Parking Brake Handle
Sometimes the problem comes from your tiniest flaws that you normally don’t notice. Some drivers do not properly remove the handlebars or levers, resulting in them not fully lowering.
It causes the handle or brake system not to be disconnected, causing the fault light. In this case, just lower the handbrake lever completely, and all problems will fade away.
Method 2: Check Your Car’s Brake Fluid Level
An unusually bright electric parking brake light (sometimes flashing intermittently) while driving is likely a sign of brake fluid loss.
Once lowered below the allowable level, the brake fluid inside the master cylinder fluid reservoir will cause problems related to the indicator light system.
If your vehicle is in this situation, you will need to replace the brake pads to prevent the caliper from being pushed further away from the bore.
Then apply brake fluid to the recommended level, and your vehicle will return to normal operation.
Method 3: Examine For A Leak Of Brake Fluid
A brake fluid leak is a serious problem that causes oil from the hydraulic system to drip until it is exhausted, causing the electric parking brake light to stay on.
The fuel level will continuously drain whether you are driving or not, resulting in a short period of continuous oil replenishment requirements.
Signs of this problem include oil draining unusually fast and leaking fluids dripping from your vehicle’s underbody.
Alternatively, you can try pressing the brake pedal down to test the resistance. If your foot doesn’t feel resistant, you’ll have to find the leak and fix it yourself.
Since the problem is quite serious, we recommend you call an auto mechanic to get your vehicle serviced more carefully.
Method 4: Double-Check The Parking Brake Switch
When you use the foot brake or handbrake, the parking switch will send a notification signal to the operation of the parking light system.
Once this switch fails, the parking brake light does not receive a signal and will continue to light or blink.
The cause of this problem is related to the disorder, looseness, or damage between the connection points in the switch system.
Therefore, you must disassemble the car’s footrest or the center console, then look for the parking switch to check it thoroughly.
Ensure the wires are all connected properly after finding any damage. In some worse cases, you will have to completely replace the switch to get the fault light working properly again.
Method 5: Investigate For Error Brake Sensors
The master cylinder of the brake system has an extremely outstanding function: sensoring brake fluid level and then sending the status of the brake system to the driver.
Once this parking brake sensor malfunctions, it will misidentify the problem and cause the parking light to stay on even when the vehicle is idle.
Generally, you can fix the problem by removing the sensor, cleaning it, and plugging it back in.
If it still doesn’t work, it means the brake is broken, and you will need the advice of more specialized maintenance specialists.
Method 6: Check Anti-lock Brake System Repair
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) has an extremely complex structure, including sensors and processors. Although parking light problems from ABS are rare, you should not skip checking this part.
When ABS fails, it will alert you by keeping the parking brake light on. To fix this problem, you can only send the car to the auto spare center to check the computer’s active codes.
Method 7: Check Your Car’s Parking Brake Light
Sometimes, your electric parking brake light comes on not because of a problem with other components but itself warning you of potential problems.
Never hesitate to repair this parking brake indicator, as it will adversely affect the operation of your entire brake system.
What Can Cause The Electronic Parking Brake Warning Light To Come On?
Only when you find the cause of the problem can you determine the correct remedy. If you still don’t have any ideas, please refer to the six main reasons we have summarized below.
ABS Problems
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is responsible for reducing wheel slip when the driver brakes suddenly.
This system malfunction will bring extremely dangerous consequences for the driver’s journey, so it is best to have it repaired as soon as possible.
Error Switch
A faulty level switch will cause a disconnection between your request and the lighting system’s operating state.
Therefore, the light will always feel the pressure on the brake cable and stay on no matter what you do.
Brake Not Lowered Completely
It is the most commonly seen problem and also requires the simplest fix.
A car brake not fully lowered will result in no disengagement message being sent to the parking brake warning light.
Worn Brake Pads
Too old and worn brake pads will destroy the vehicle’s rotors, hinder the operation of the overall braking system and entail other expensive repair costs.
It’d better to replace it with a new one is best to get everything working properly again.
Brake Fluid Problems
The most obvious signs of this problem are the lights coming on when the driver presses the brake pedal and the brake system working poorly, endangering the driver.
The three main causes you need to refer to include depleted oil, tank leaks, and loss of hydraulics on one side of the vehicle.
Braking System Problems
Problems related to the braking system can be noticed when you release the brake, but the car does not react, and the lights come on.
If not repaired in time, you will lose the ability to brake, seriously endangering yourself and other passengers in the vehicle.
What Should I Do When My Parking Brake Engaged Symbol Is On?
When the service parking brake light stays on, you must pull over to the curb (or any other safe place) and turn off the engine.
After a few seconds, restart the engine and check whether the light is still active.
The off light shows a false alarm, and everything is back to normal now. But if nothing changes, you will need to do a few small tests to determine the severity of the problem.
Open the hood, look for the brake fluid reservoir and check the fuel level. Once testing shows that the fuel level is lower than specified, you will need to add oil immediately.
When you find traces of oil seeping into the ground, your oil tank is cracked. In case there are no signs of leakage, but the light stays on, the problem is with the brakes, switches, and ABS.
Some experienced drivers can fix small cracks in their garages with repair tools. But to be sure, we still recommend sending your vehicle to an auto shop for the most intensive maintenance.
Faqs
What Does Service Parking Brake Mean When My Car’s Electric Parking Brake Light Is On?
If your electric parking brake warning light is on, it means your parking brake is on. Meanwhile, orange or red dashboard lights let you know that a certain part of the brake system is having problems.
It is difficult for drivers to determine the severity of the problem they are having.
Therefore, the best thing you should do immediately after receiving the warning is to find a mechanical expert to solve the problem.
How Does The Parking Brake Light Work?
The emergency brake light switch will be activated immediately after the parking brake receives force and ignites. The handbrake and lever are active if you see the light is on.
When the vehicle moves out of the parking lot, some vehicles will automatically turn off this feature as soon as the vehicle starts moving on the main road.
The parking brake and brake system operate separately but have many similar components.
For example, you will need a pedal, electronic switch, or hand lever to brake the handbrake and prevent the wheels from spinning while parking.
Can I Drive With A Parking Brake Light On Due To No Brake Fluid?
You can’t drive home without brake fluid in the oil tank. Brake fluid is responsible for transporting hydroelectric pressure from the pedal to the brake pads.
So, uneven brake fluid means that the brake pads do not respond no matter what you do.
On average, you will need to change/supply new oil after 30,000 miles or two years.
It is not a total estimate, as it will shift depending on how you use and maintain your vehicle and environmental conditions.
Is It Safe If I Drive With P Brake Light On?
The answer is not”! Intentionally driving with any brake system malfunction is always taboo because of the potential danger to your health and life.
It is best to contact the nearest repair facility for instructions. Depending on the severity, you will receive maintenance at home or drive directly to the repair facility.
Conclusion
Our article is pleased to show you how to reset parking brake light through seven extremely effective methods.
Not only that, but it also provides you with useful information to be able to solve problems related to this system while ensuring the safety of your journey.
Regular maintenance certainly can’t completely prevent possible problems with your vehicle, but it is key to protecting components and detecting issues in time.
That way, you can minimize problems on the journey, such as the parking brake system warning light.