Buzz
What steps should you take when this warning light appears? Explore additional brake-related visuals.The majority of vehicles feature one or two brake warning indicators on the dashboard. Upon starting your car, every dashboard light should briefly illuminate. This is known as the bulb check; they should turn off shortly. If a light remains on, your car is signaling an issue. If a light fails to illuminate during the check, it indicates the bulb needs replacement.
The BRAKE light in your vehicle is activated to signal one of two potential issues:
- Your emergency brake is engaged. Disengage it to resolve the issue.
- There is a loss of brake pressure in half of the braking system (refer to How a Combination Valve Works for more information).
While disengaging your emergency brake is straightforward, how should you handle a loss of brake pressure? Discover the solution on the following page.
Brake Fluid and Pressure Problems
Warning light for the anti-lock braking systemIf the emergency brake is released and the light remains on, carefully pull over and stop. In the event of a complete brake system failure, rely on the emergency brake to slow down. A persistent light indicates uneven pressure distribution within the brake system.
Several factors could lead to this situation:
- A leak might exist in one section of the system, preventing it from maintaining pressure
- The hydraulic fluid level might be insufficient
In both scenarios, your braking efficiency will be compromised, and it is advisable to get the vehicle repaired before resuming driving.
Vehicles equipped with antilock brakes feature an amber or yellow warning light, typically labeled ABS. If this light remains on after the bulb check, it signals an issue with the antilock braking system. The ABS controller will deactivate the system, allowing the brakes to operate conventionally. You can then drive the car to a mechanic for repairs without immediate risk.
