Electric Park Brake and Fault Indicators

Electric Park Brake

Electric Park Brake and Fault. These symbols (left/above and below) are all or might be Electric Park(ing) Brake (EPB) Fault Indicators. The circle in brackets remains the basic image used to denote a vehicle’s brakes and in the case to the far left adds the lightning bolt, which denotes electricity. It will flash or remain lit if a fault is detected. Two indicators add the wrench or spanner below or alongside the circle to indicate that service is needed.

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The vehicle will be safe to drive, but the parking brake will not operate properly. Note that some manufacturers may have two indicators come on, seemingly to differentiate from other brake issues.

The text symbols with the word PARK are actually all Electric Park Brake On Indicators as well as Fault Indicators, if the light is seen when the brake is engaged and the ignition on. The light will remain on for a short time after the ignition is turned off. The final two lights show the Auto (electric) park brake has been turned OFF. Those lights will be turned off when the system is re-engaged.

The indicator to the left has long been used simply to indicate that the parking brake is engaged. It is now crossed over to the realm of electric park brake faults. Unfortunately, the correct owners manual for the make and model showing the indicator or a competent auto shop will need to be consulted.

If however, if any of these lights flash, it may indicate a fault. In most cases, if the light goes off, the system is working properly. If it continues to flash or remains on while in motion, find a qualified service station as soon as possible. The brake may actually be engaged, so check to be sure it is not. The double symbol is found in some new (2024) Ford vehicles.

Note that the PARK symbol is also used as a mechanical Park Brake Indicator. It simply means that the park, hand or foot brake has been left on.

The text symbol holding the acronym on the left will also indicate a fault in the system if illuminated. If this light is seen along with a Stability Control warning indicator, have the Stability Control System serviced as soon as possible. That system, not the brake, has an issue that needs to be resolved by your dealer or authorized service center.

In any case, the parking brake is also the emergency brake, so don’t wait. Have it repaired!

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.