What does the flashing P light indicate?
2 Answers
The reason the P light keeps flashing is that the handbrake is not fully released. Generally, adjusting the handbrake and ensuring it is fully released can resolve the issue. Below is relevant information: 1. Red P: When the red P light is on, it indicates that the parking brake system is engaged, meaning the handbrake is pulled tight. This is displayed in red on the instrument cluster as a normal status, not a fault. If it lights up or flashes along with other warning lights, such as the ABS light, it indicates a system fault. 2. Yellow P: When the yellow P light is on, it usually indicates a stored fault in the parking brake or ABS system. Further inspection and confirmation are required to diagnose and resolve the issue. 3. Green/Blue P: When the green or blue P light is on, it means the AUTO-HOLD system for automatic parking and automatic handbrake is functioning normally. The P light will illuminate to alert the driver when the system is active.
As someone with over a decade of car repair experience, common P light flashing issues usually stem from the transmission system. This could be due to a malfunctioning parking sensor, causing the vehicle to incorrectly judge the parking position as unstable, which may lead to rolling hazards. Alternatively, the transmission control module might be faulty, with circuit board corrosion or software errors causing false signals. I recall a customer whose car had severe P light flashing; upon inspection, it turned out to be loose wiring terminals, and a simple fix restored normal operation. Sometimes, voltage instability can also trigger the protection mechanism. It's advisable not to delay or hesitate—when the light flashes, immediately stop to check if the gear is properly in P, and schedule a professional repair shop to use a diagnostic tool to check for fault codes, preventing driving safety hazards. Regular transmission maintenance can prevent most such issues.
