Electronically Controlled Brake System Symbols

Brake Systems

This is first the ECB, or Electronically Controlled Brake Systems symbol, also known as Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Note that the only difference between this and the Canadian brake warning symbol – the exclamation point in a circle – is the color. Yellow/amber indicates a less serious problem than the red version. The electronic control represents a functional enhancement and may be inoperable, including a brake booster issue, but the brakes themselves will still operate.

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

Second, and before continuing, note that if you have a hybrid vehicle, at least one manufacturer uses the symbol above to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System. Click the link for more.

However, as electronic control of overall brake systems expands, the symbol above is used in Canada to alert to a problem any part of the brake system controlled electronically. These can include  Automatic Brake Hold or Electronic Parking Brake system issues, as well as those described above.

In the U.S., the text symbol to the left, Brake System, is used in yellow/amber. Again as above, the brakes themselves, as operated by the brake pedal, remains a hydraulic system and will continue to function normally.

However, if the red BRAKE text warning symbol is also lit, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately.

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 specify the nature of the problem.

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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.