Q: What does the brake Warning Light mean?

asked by on January 11, 2016

What does the brake Warning Light mean?

The brake system Warning Light is located on your instrument panel, and can come on for three reasons:

  1. The parking brake is engaged.

  2. The brake fluid is low.

  3. The brake system is malfunctioning.

If the illuminated light is accompanied by a buzzer, then the issue is the parking brake. Release the parking brake, and the light should disappear. If the light is not accompanied by a buzzer, you should have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

Tip

Like all warning lights, the brake Warning Light briefly illuminates when you turn the car on. The light is only a problem if it stays lit when the engine is turned on.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine stalling when in gear.
This is a transmission internal issue of trying to go into reverse and drive at the same time from a leaking valve body.
Can't shift out of Park
Hello. In this case, there can be many possible culprits, ranging from a failed brake light switch to a broken shifter mechanism. Since you noted that you have a faulty column shift handle, it would most likely be best to...
Steering wheel is not locking & key switch wont turn
It sounds like your kids may have broke the ignition lock assembly (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ignition-lock-assembly) in the steering column. There are a few different column components that may have been broken. The parts are made out of pretty soft metal by the...
Startup difficulty
Hello there, a few different things can cause an intermittent no start condition. The most likely causes are the battery, fuel pump, starter, ignition switch, battery cable or a wiring fault. You have replaced a few of these components, but...
Failing fuses, dashboard warnings all present - 2012 Audi A7 Quattro
Your Audi utilizes an electrical power distribution system which is more computer network like, than older point-to-point wiring systems. There are electrical controllers at key locations in the vehicle (front or back) which distribute power to components located close by,...
Car turning over, but it will not start.
You may need to have the key re-flashed to the car's computer. It sounds like every time you leave the car it has a problem re-associating itself with the car. I would recommend taking it back to the Chevy dealer...
Sounds when turning.
This may be a sign of failing or worn out wheel bearings. A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race. Both the surface of the rollers...
Car starts but keeps dying
It sounds like you may have a dirty or faulty idle control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) or potentially a fuel pressure problem. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
Getting codes P0171 and P0174 with Service Engine Light on.
P0171 and P0174 say the system is too lean on both banks. That means that whatever is causing the problem is common to both sides. The first thing to check for is air leaks, but it sounds like you have...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI
If If you’re looking for a luxury crossover that has all the high-end amenities and plenty of power and fuel economy, you’ve found it in the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI. Fans of the Q7 will immediately recognize the overall look...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Buick Regal
The The 2012 Buick Regal is definitely not the Regal of yesteryear you may have heard your grandparents fawn over. This mid-size sedan has a lot of modern features that start at the engine and stretch all the way to...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Got Your License
If If you are a new driver, congratulations on getting your license. Now, you need to think about what type of vehicle to buy. Ideally, you’ll choose a used car that isn’t overly expensive, and is reliable and safe while...