Symptoms
- Parking brake icon (P with parentheses or 'BRAKE' text) stays lit after release
- Car may feel like it's dragging or resisting movement
- Sometimes accompanied by a burning smell if the brake is actually still engaged
Likely causes
- CommonParking brake mechanically not fully releasedCables can stick, especially in cold or after long periods of disuse.
- CommonLow brake fluid triggering the same warning lightOn many cars this light doubles as a low-fluid warning.
- PossibleFaulty parking brake switchThe sensor that detects the lever or pedal position can fail.
- PossibleElectric parking brake motor or module faultOn cars with an electronic parking brake button instead of a lever.
What to do
- Try releasing and re-engaging the parking brake fully a couple of times.
- Check the brake fluid reservoir level, since low fluid can trigger this same light on many vehicles.
- Listen and feel for whether the car moves freely or feels like it's dragging, which would mean the brake really is still on.
- If it feels like the brake is truly stuck on, do not drive; the brakes can overheat.
- On electronic parking brakes, check the owner's manual for a manual release procedure.
- If the car moves freely and fluid is full, the switch may be faulty and need replacement.
- Have a mechanic inspect the parking brake cables, switch, or electric actuator if the issue continues.
Tools and parts
Parking brake switchSearch: “parking brake switch for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic if the light stays on with fluid full and the car moving freely, or if the parking brake seems physically stuck.
Safety
Use caution
If the car feels like it's dragging or resisting movement, the brake may actually still be engaged; stop and don't force it, since brakes can overheat.