After ensuring that it’s disengaged, turn your car off and on again. If your parking brake light is still on after idling for a minute, troubleshoot further with the methods below.
To check your brake fluid, turn off your car, let it cool, and open the hood. Find the white fluid reservoir on the driver’s side, which is usually above the master cylinder. If the fluid is below the max line, fill it back up with the fluid specified for your car. Then, let your car run to see if the light turns off. Spongy brakes and low fluid can also be a sign of a leak. Check underneath your car for colorless, dripping fluid. Leaks often come from under the wheels or near your brake line. If you’re comfortable, fix the leak yourself, or take your car to a mechanic. [3] X Research source If your brakes are squeaky or your car pulls off to one side, it’s also a good idea to check your brake pads. If they are thin and well worn, replace them.
To confirm that you have a faulty switch, use a multimeter to test the switch’s continuity when the parking brake is engaged. Your parking brake switch sends a signal to your car when the parking brake is on or off.
Your parking brake is separate from your car’s regular brakes. When you use the parking brake, steel cables tighten around your wheel’s brake rotor. This prevents your wheels from moving or turning.
Do not drive when your parking brake light is on. Driving with the parking brake engaged can cause damage to your transmission that’s costly to fix.
