What does it mean when the P light on the dashboard is on with a slash?
2 Answers
The P light on the dashboard with a slash indicates a malfunction in the electronic parking brake. It is recommended to have it inspected at a repair shop as soon as possible. The illuminated P light shows that the electronic parking brake is engaged. The parking system consists of an electronic handbrake and automatic parking, with the application of mechanical control becoming increasingly electronic. The handbrake has evolved from a traditional lever handbrake to an electronic handbrake button. The function of the electronic handbrake remains unchanged, only the control method has shifted from the previous mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. Automatic parking is a feature that automatically applies the brakes. Once activated, it simplifies operations by eliminating the need to use the handbrake or electronic handbrake, and for automatic transmission models, it also reduces the need for frequent shifting between D to N and D to P.
I just encountered this situation last month. The 'P' with a slash on the dashboard is actually the parking brake warning light, indicating that the parking brake isn't fully released. The most common reason is that the handbrake isn't fully lowered, especially in older cars with mechanical handbrakes that can get stuck halfway. If the light stays on even after releasing the handbrake, it might be due to loose handbrake cables needing adjustment or low brake fluid. Once after snow, my family's old SUV had this issue—the handbrake was frozen, and it took about ten minutes of warming up the car to thaw. Never drive with this light on; dragging the rear brakes for a few kilometers can make the brake pads smoke. As mechanic Xiao Zhang said, it can also cause premature failure of the rear wheel bearings.
