Brake Trouble Dashboard Symbols

Brake Trouble

This symbol, and the Canadian version below, is a Brake Trouble Indicator symbol. Either symbol could indicate a serious problem with the brakes, but the light will also be on when the hand, or emergency, brake is engaged.

• But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

So, if you are sure the hand brake, or emergency, brake is released, bring your vehicle to a stop as soon as possible and contact your dealer or competent repair shop. To continue driving could very well be dangerous!

If either the light above or the next one is seen in yellow/amber/orange after starting the engine or while driving, suspect worn brake pads or a less serious fault with the braking system. The vehicle can still be driven with care, but have it checked very, very soon.

Outside the US

This is the Brake Trouble Indicator symbol in Canada, and other areas, but has an additional use elsewhere (below). The look of this symbol as well as others involving brakes are supposed to resemble the physical appearance of brakes. They do, but primarily only to people who have had the opportunity to take them apart. The word ‘brake’ may appear at the top of the image.

In Australia and New Zealand, the same symbol is used to indicate that the brake or clutch fluid is low. Check the proper reservoirs.

The same image is also used in Europe for the failure of an advanced system, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). In this case, conventional brake action remains unaffected, but your dealer will be needed to repair the advanced system. These vehicles use the text symbol BRAKE shown above to indicate a problem with the basic or conventional brake system.

Finally, the image is used by some manufacturers to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System in electric vehicles (EVs). It may appear in yellow/amber/orange (right) alongside the red brake symbol shown simultaneously. This is potentially serous and should be checked by a competent shop immediately. The operation of the brake pedal may be more difficult than normal and the braking distance may increase.

Click here to learn more about regenerative braking.

More Versions

And of course someone had to combine the two and then a third as a traditional trouble light, I suppose just to add yet more symbols. The word BRAKE is place below the circle and exclamation point. And above the same indicator plus that with a “P” inside, for parking brake.

Brake Overheat Symbols

These versions that include a thermometer inside the circle is meant to indicate that the brake disk and therefore brake pads are overheated. The car should be pulled over as soon as possible to allow them to cool. If they stay hot, the brake fluid will get hot and boil, at which point brake pressure will be non existent.

Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and color can specify the nature of the problem. The use of red versus yellow/amber/orange is a manufactures decision.

Similar Symbols

Note also that if these two warning lights (right) are seen together, they indicate a problem with something called the Brake Force Distribution System. Click here for more information.

Are you seeing one of these symbols? Click here, here or here, associated with the images, left to right.

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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.

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