Parking Brake Light
What it means
Shown as the letter P inside a circle between brackets, usually red, this light means the manual or electric parking brake is applied or not fully released. Many cars use the general brake warning light (the exclamation mark) for this job instead. It is normal for it to come on at key-on and whenever the parking brake is set; if it stays on after release, have it checked.
Symptoms4
- Light on while driving, sometimes with a warning chime.
- The car feels heavy, or there is a burning smell from the rear wheels.
- One rear wheel is unusually hot after driving.
- A message asking you to release the parking brake.
Possible causes5
- Parking brake applied or only partly released.
- Loose or seized parking brake cable that does not fully return.
- Faulty or misadjusted parking brake switch giving a false signal.
- Electric parking brake: the rear caliper motor did not release due to a fault or a weak battery.
- Short circuit in the switch wiring (less common).
How to diagnose4
- Fully release the parking brake, or press the electric parking brake switch while pressing the brake pedal, and see whether the light goes out.
- Read any message on the display and check the owner manual for what the symbol means on your car.
- If it stays on, check whether the rear wheels turn freely and whether they get hot after a short drive.
- At the workshop: check cable adjustment and the parking brake switch, or read electric parking brake codes with a scan tool.
How to fix5
- Release the parking brake fully before moving off.
- Adjust or replace the parking brake cable if it is sticking.
- Adjust or replace the parking brake switch if confirmed faulty.
- Repair the electric parking brake motor or rear caliper and recalibrate with a scan tool when required.
- After the repair, confirm the light goes out on release and the wheels turn freely.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 50–1,500 (≈ USD 13–400)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
Often there is no cost if the brake was simply left on; the cost starts with a cable adjustment or switch and reaches the upper end for an electric parking brake motor or caliper.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I drive with the parking brake slightly on?
The rear pads and discs or drums overheat and wear quickly, and rear braking can weaken. Release it at once and have the wheels checked if you smell burning.
How is it different from the exclamation mark light?
The P symbol is only for the parking brake, while the exclamation mark covers the whole brake system including low fluid. Some cars use one light for both.
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