What does the yellow P light mean?
3 Answers
The yellow P on the car dashboard indicates that the parking brake is engaged, meaning the handbrake is in the braking position. Below are the specific reasons why the P light remains illuminated in yellow: 1. Handbrake not fully released: Some drivers forget to release the handbrake or do not release it completely, causing the handbrake light to turn on. 2. Brake fluid leakage: It is necessary to check the brake fluid, as leakage or insufficient brake fluid may cause the handbrake light to illuminate. The braking system mainly consists of energy supply devices, control devices, transmission devices, and brakes. The primary function of the braking system is to slow down or stop a moving car, maintain a stable speed for a car going downhill, and keep a parked car stationary. Using a fault detection device for inspection can quickly and accurately locate the fault and identify the cause step by step. 3. Worn brake discs: Accompanied by body vibration or abnormal noises when braking, it is likely due to thinning brake discs or foreign objects entering the brake pads. Uneven surfaces on the brake discs can cause sharp metal friction sounds when braking, as well as insufficient braking force, longer braking distances, and softer braking.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and the yellow P light usually indicates two common situations. It illuminates when there's an issue with the electronic parking brake, meaning the brake isn't fully released or the system detects a fault. The other possibility is an abnormality in the auto-hold function, such as when it fails to work at a red light. Never force the car to move when this light is on—first check if the parking brake button is stuck. Last time, a car owner had a stuck button, and resetting the system fixed it. If that doesn't work, you'll need to use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes, as it might involve issues with the brake switch or ABS pump.
My old Toyota had this light on before, and it turned out to be a faulty brake light switch. The mechanic said the yellow P light is mainly related to the electronic parking brake system. Common causes include low brake fluid level, poor sensor contact, or the system software needing an update. Some German cars may also falsely illuminate this light when the battery is low. It's recommended to try pulling and releasing the handbrake a few times first, as sometimes the system can reset after self-checking. Remember to check if all the brake lights are working—this simple test can rule out switch issues.
