Brake Hold Indicator Symbols

Brake Hold

These are Brake Hold Indicator and the Automatic Hold Indicator symbols. The lights describe systems that keeps the brakes applied when the vehicle is stopped and other conditions are met. They indicate that the system is on and functioning properly. The image is the circle between brackets used as a standard for brakes, which may hold the letter A or H inside for automatic or hold.

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Special note: If brake hold is activated when coming to a stop in a automated car wash, there will be a problem with the car moving. Shifting in and out of gear should release the hold!

There are two basic forms of brake hold. Some manufacturers have the system active at all times. Setting the hold requires a hard brake pedal press once the vehicle has come to a stop.

The second version’s default setting is off and so the brake hold system must be activated every time the vehicle is started. With this version, if the system has been activated, the hold will occur whenever the vehicle comes to a stop using the brake pedal. It will not activate if the vehicle comes to a stop on its own on a slope, where forward creep and gravity are in balance.

Many More Versions

Note that some manufacturers use the gray or black and white to indicate that the brake is actively keeping the vehicle from rolling away! That is, it senses a force trying to move the vehicle while it is not in park. Alternatively, it may indicate that the system is active and will turn green when actually holding the vehicle in place.

In an electric vehicle (EV), the Park function is supplied by the brakes. So, when placing the car in Park, it is effectively in Auto Hold mode, and vice versa. To that end, either symbol to the left in green  may be shown, indicating that the vehicle is secure. Note as well that the activation button or lever is also used to activate the emergency brake. Mini uses both the symbol shown, adding the symbol in gray in its vehicles as a stand by indicator.

Depending on the vehicle’s manufacturer, when in actual use, the indicator may show Hold or Brake Hold, as shown to the left. The brakes are released when the driver steps on the accelerator while in a drive gear. They are generally seen in green.

Also in green is another set from a system called Auto Vehicle Hold or AVH. The AVH indicator states that the system is active and available. The circle in brackets, which is a common combination intended to indicate brake components, in this case shows that the vehicle is in fact being held.

Fault Indicators

The word or words in yellow/amber or the Hold indicator in red indicate a fault in the system. It may include an exclamation point. Find a qualified service shop as soon as possible. And finally, a line through the words indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable. The light will return to green when the system returns to normal use.

This is another pair of symbols, again starting in green and moving to yellow/amber. The symbols include the image of a hand, palm out. In green, the system in available. In yellow/amber, the system is not available. This may or may not indicate a system problem. If the light persists, see your dealer or qualified repair shop.

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.