Like other car components, the emergency brake has a special light that comes on whenever it’s engaged.
However, if the parking brake light stays on even when you didn’t engage the hand brake, you must reset it.
The parking brake light or the emergency brake is a critical safety feature in your vehicle that keeps your car still while it’s parked.
It’s also important to note that a faulty parking brake system, brake handle, switch, or sensor are the common reasons your parking light will remain after disengagement.
In this article, we’ll see how a parking brake work and how to reset a parking brake light.
How Emergency/Parking Brake Works on a Car
The parking brake is designed to keep your car stationary when parked and prevent it from rolling away if it is on a slope.
Depending on the vehicle, the parking brake can be engaged using a lever, pedal, or switch (check your manufacturer’s guide).
The parking brake light is an indicator on your dashboard that tells you when the parking brake is engaged.
Although some vehicles automatically disengage the parking brake when you shift out of the park, it could indicate a problem with the parking brake system if this light stays on while driving. It should be addressed as soon as possible.
How to Reset Parking Brake Light
If the parking brake light stays on or comes on while you are driving, there are a few steps you can take to try and reset it.
Disengage the parking brake handle.
The first step to warding resetting the parking brake light is to ensure the lever or handle is disengaged correctly.
You can do this by adequately lowering the brake lever or handle to the ground.
- Pull the brake lever up until it stops
- Now, push it down until it makes a click sound.
This action should reset the parking brake system and clear the light quickly.
However, If the lever feels stuck or difficult to move, there may be a problem with the parking brake system that needs to be addressed by a mechanic.
Inspect the brake fluid level.
A low brake fluid level could cause the parking brake light to ignite, and you’ll also have difficulty engaging the parking brake.
So, if your brake light comes on while driving, it’s important also to inspect the brake fluid level of your car and top it up.
You can check the brake fluid level by:
- Opening the hood of your car
- Open the brake fluid reservoir (it’s marked with a max and min fluid line)
- Endeavor to make sure the fluid level is between those two lines, and you’re good to go.
You can also replace brake pads for better brake system efficiency.
In addition, make sure you fix any occurrence of leaking brake fluid in the system.
Faulty Brake Sensors
Located in the brake master cylinder are Sensors that relay the status of the brake system to the driver.
These sensors might get clogged and yield false results, igniting the check engine light. Errors could also arise when there are issues in the system’s wiring harness.
Sensor faults can often be fixed by unplugging, cleaning, and replacing the sensor wires in its port.
Blown Fuse Panel
The fuse panel is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side car driver’s side owner’s manual to find the specific fuse for the parking brake system and check if it is blown.
If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one and see if the parking brake light goes out.
Inspect for a stuck Caliper.
A stuck brake caliper can cause the brake pads to remain in contact with the rotor, which can cause the parking brake light to come on.
You can lift your car and spin the front wheels; you can detect the presence of a stuck Caliper if one wheel doesn’t spin as freely as the others.
This will require the attention of a mechanic to diagnose and fix.
Other Brake System Problems
If the brake fluid level is correct and the parking brake is fully released, there may be a problem with the brake system itself.
This could be a faulty brake caliper, a damaged brake hose, or a problem with the brake master cylinder. These types of issues will require the attention of a mechanic to diagnose and fix.
FAQs
How to Release the parking brake
You can release the parking brake by ensuring the brake lever or handle is properly lowered to the ground with a click sound.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to disengage the parking brake manually.
- Pull the brake lever up until it stops
- Now, push it down until it makes a click sound.
The parking brake should be released, and the light should turn off from the dashboard.
Why won’t my parking brake light go off?
If the parking brake light won’t go off even after disengaging it, then you to top up the brake fluid level.
A low brake fluid level could cause the parking brake light to ignite, and you’ll also have difficulty engaging the parking brake.
What would cause the brake light on the dash to come on?
The brake light will come on if you engage the parking brake if there’s a low fluid level, faulty sensors, or a complex brake system.
Where is the parking brake light switch?
The location of the parking brake lever and switch can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but it is usually located near the center console or in the footwell of the driver’s side of the car.
Conclusion
If the parking brake light stays on or comes on while you are driving, there are a few steps you can take to try and reset it.
First, make sure that the parking brake is fully released. Then, check the brake fluid level and make sure it is at the correct level.
If the brake system appears to be functioning correctly, check the fuse for the parking brake system.
If none of these steps have resolved the issue, there may be a problem with a stuck brake caliper that will require the attention of a mechanic.
RESOURCEFUL LINKS
https://www.wikihow.com/Reset-Parking-Brake-Light
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