Brakes / parking brake warning light: meaning and what to do

Brakes / parking brake

The exact symbol can vary between makes and models. Also check the message displayed by the vehicle.

How urgent is it?

Check the parking brake; if the warning persists or braking is affected, stop and seek assistance.

How to recognise it

Exclamation mark or P in a circle.

What it can mean

It can indicate an applied parking brake, low fluid or a braking fault.

What to do

If the red warning remains after releasing the parking brake, stop safely and do not continue, even if the pedal feels normal. Seek assistance.

Before clearing the light or codes

Photograph the dashboard message and save all codes, the reporting module, fault status and freeze-frame data. Clearing can remove useful evidence without repairing the cause.

From warning light to inspection

A warning light can have many causes. The example codes below have NOT been scanned from your vehicle.

For red warning lights, follow the safety and stop instructions; do not delay assistance for online analysis.