How to Reset Parking Brake Light: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Mark S. Taylor

Welcome to our guide on how to reset the parking brake light. In this article, we will provide you with detailed instructions and valuable insights to help you address this common issue. The parking brake light serves as an essential indicator on your vehicle’s dashboard, informing you about potential problems with your braking system. When the light illuminates, it’s crucial to take prompt action to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue.

What is a Parking Brake Light?

The parking brake light, often known as the brake warning light, is a little icon or text indicator located on your car’s instrument panel. It typically looks like a red exclamation point inside the parenthesis. When it turns on, the parking brake light alerts the driver that there may be a problem with the braking system that has to be fixed.

Importance of the Parking Brake Light

The parking brake light is crucial to ensuring both your safety and the effective running of your vehicle. It serves as an early warning system, spotting possible brake issues and alerting you to take the necessary action. Neglecting the activated parking brake light may lead to poor braking and risky driving conditions. Therefore, understanding how to reset the parking brake light is essential for all car owners.

Reasons for the Parking Brake Light Illuminating

Your car’s dashboard parking brake light may turn on for a variety of reasons. Finding the root cause is crucial for resetting the light and addressing any underlying issues. The parking brake light may illuminate for the reasons listed below:

Low Brake Fluid Level

Insufficient brake fluid may cause the parking brake light to illuminate. Low brake fluid levels are a warning sign of a braking system leak or excessive wear and should be addressed immediately.

Worn Brake Pads

Additionally, worn brake pads may cause the parking brake light to illuminate. When the brake pads thin to their thinnest thickness, the brake wear sensors activate the warning light to let the driver know it’s time to replace the brake pads.

Malfunctioning Parking Brake Switch

A broken parking brake switch could cause the parking brake light to stay on even after the parking brake is fully disengaged. It is vital to look into this issue and possibly swap out the damaged switch.

Wheel speed sensors with a defect

The wheel speed sensors monitor each wheel’s rate of rotation. In the event that one of these sensors is malfunctioning, the parking brake light can come on.

Additional Root Causes

In addition to the aforementioned factors, there may be other potential explanations for the parking brake light to turn on. These issues could be related to the brake pedal position sensor, corroded brake lines, a broken master cylinder, or ABS system faults.

How to reset the parking brake light

There may be various approaches of resetting the parking brake light, depending on the make and model of your car. To reset the parking brake light, you could attempt any of the following methods:

Method 1: Checking the Brake Fluid Level

Put the parking brake on when you place your car in a level parking space.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir by opening the hood.
Examine the fluid level after removing the reservoir’s cap.
Add the recommended brand of brake fluid if the level is low to raise it to the proper level.
Close the reservoir cap for the braking fluid firmly.

Method 2: Inspecting and Replacing Worn Brake Pads

Use a jack to safely raise your car, then use jack stands to keep it in place.
To access the brake caliper, remove the wheel or wheels.
Look for signs of excessive wear or damage on the brake pads.
Replace worn brake pads with new ones in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Lower the car and reinstall the wheel(s).

Method 3: Resetting the Parking Brake Switch

As you sit in the driver’s seat, make sure the car is off.
Find the pedal or lever for the parking brake.
By lifting the lever or depressing the pedal, apply the parking brake.
Start the engine, then wait a short while.
Release the lever or pedal to release the parking brake.
Check to see if the parking brake light disappears. If not, move on to the next strategy.

Method 4: Diagnosing and Fixing Wheel Speed Sensor Issues

To find the wheel speed sensors, refer to your car’s owner’s manual or a trustworthy web source.
Look for any obvious damage or loose connections on the sensors.
If no problems are immediately apparent, it could be essential to seek advice from a qualified mechanic or use a diagnostic tool to investigate and resolve the wheel speed sensor difficulties.

Method 5: Resolving Other Potential Causes

If none of the aforementioned fixes work, it is advised that you speak with a certified mechanic or the company that made your car for more advice. They will be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to identify and fix any underlying issues that are causing the parking brake light to illuminate.

Read More: How to Reset the ABS Light: Step-by-Step Guide for Clearing the Warning

Can I continue driving with the parking brake light on?

It is not advisable to keep the parking brake light on while driving. The light suggests that there may be an issue with your braking system, and operating your car in such a situation puts both your safety and its performance at risk.

Is it safe to reset the parking brake light on my own?

Frequently, the owner of the car can reset the parking brake light. To ensure the reset is carried out correctly and safely, it is imperative to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and utilize the right approaches.

How often does the parking brake light need to be reset?

The root reason will determine how frequently the parking brake light needs to be reset. If the problem is effectively fixed, the light ought to shut off on its own. However, additional analysis and repairs might be required if the issue continues.

Why does the parking brake light come on intermittently?

The inconsistent operation of the parking brake light may be a sign of a loose or damaged connection, a sporadic sensor problem, or a braking system defect. To locate and treat the reason, it is advised to have an expert inspect the system.

Will resetting the parking brake light fix the underlying issue?

The root of the problem is not resolved by simply resetting the parking brake light. The light is temporarily turned off as a workaround. However, in order to guarantee the correct operation of your braking system, identifying and treating the main problem is essential.

What should I do if the parking brake light stays on after resetting?

It is advised to speak with a qualified mechanic if the parking brake light persists after trying to reset it. They will be equipped with the knowledge and diagnostic equipment needed to locate the issue and carry out the required fixes.

Can I use a diagnostic tool to reset the parking brake light?

The parking brake light can indeed be reset using some diagnostic tools. It’s crucial to check that the diagnostic tool is compatible with the make and model of your car, though, and to use it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Is it necessary to reset the parking brake light after routine maintenance?

Routine maintenance operations may occasionally cause the parking brake light to turn on. It is recommended to reset the light when the repair is finished to make sure it appropriately depicts the state of your