Parking Brake Light on a Aston Martin DBS
Investigate soon. Driving short distances is generally okay, but book a diagnostic check.
What the Parking Brake Light Means on a Aston Martin DBS
The parking brake light on a Aston Martin DBS shows the handbrake/electronic parking brake is applied. If it stays on after releasing the brake, it can also indicate low brake fluid or a brake system fault.
How Urgent Is the Parking Brake Light?
How worried should you be? For the Parking Brake Light on a Aston Martin DBS, the urgency is moderate. A good rule technicians rely on is 'colour plus behaviour': match the warning colour against how the car is actually performing. If the Aston Martin DBS still drives normally and the light is steady, you usually have time to plan a proper diagnosis; if performance drops or the light flashes, err on the side of caution and stop safely.
Common Symptoms Alongside the Parking Brake Light
Alongside the Parking Brake Light, Aston Martin DBS owners commonly report a handful of related signs. Some are obvious, others easy to miss until you pay attention. Keeping a short mental (or written) log of what the Aston Martin DBS does when the light is on gives whoever performs the repair a huge head start and can save you money on diagnostic time.
- Parking-brake symbol lit
- Stays on after releasing the brake
- Possible drag or reduced performance if driven applied
- May share the symbol with low brake fluid
What Causes the Parking Brake Light to Come On?
There is rarely a single universal reason the Parking Brake Light appears on a Aston Martin DBS; instead there is a shortlist of usual suspects. Root causes range from simple, inexpensive items to genuine component failures, which is why a proper diagnosis always beats guessing. Understanding the common triggers on the Aston Martin DBS helps you have a more informed conversation with your mechanic and avoid paying for parts you do not need.
- Parking brake still applied
- Parking brake not fully released
- Faulty parking brake switch/sensor
- Low brake fluid (shared warning)
- Electronic parking brake fault
How to Fix the Parking Brake Light on a Aston Martin DBS
The right way to clear the Parking Brake Light on a Aston Martin DBS is to fix the underlying cause, not just reset the symbol. Work through the steps below in order — they move from the simplest checks any driver can do to the diagnostic work best left to a scan tool. Following this sequence prevents the classic mistake of replacing expensive parts before ruling out the cheap, common problems first.
- Fully release the parking brake
- Check the handbrake lever/switch returns properly
- Verify the brake fluid level
- For electronic brakes, cycle the switch and scan for faults
- Repair the switch or EPB motor if it persists
Is It Safe to Drive With the Parking Brake Light On?
Whether it is safe to keep driving your Aston Martin DBS with the Parking Brake Light on comes down to urgency (moderate) and behaviour. As a rule, if the light is red or flashing, or the Aston Martin DBS is running poorly, stop somewhere safe and arrange help rather than pushing on. If the light is amber and the car drives normally, you generally have time to reach a workshop — but 'have time' is not the same as 'ignore it', so book a check promptly.
Professional Mechanic Tips
Because this symbol doubles as a brake-fluid warning on many cars, check the reservoir before assuming it is just the handbrake switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Parking Brake Light on in my Aston Martin DBS?
The Parking Brake Light illuminates on a Aston Martin DBS when the vehicle detects a condition in the related system that is outside its normal range. The exact reason can vary from something as minor as a loose connection to a component that needs replacing, which is why reading the stored trouble codes is the reliable way to know for certain.
Can I keep driving with the Parking Brake Light on?
For a Aston Martin DBS, a steady amber Parking Brake Light with normal driving generally allows a careful trip to a garage. A red or flashing light, or any change in performance, means you should stop and avoid further driving until the fault is identified.
How much does it cost to fix the Parking Brake Light on a Aston Martin DBS?
There is no single price for the Parking Brake Light on a Aston Martin DBS; it ranges from a no-cost adjustment to a component replacement. The honest way to control cost is to diagnose the exact code before authorising any repair, so you only pay to fix what is actually wrong.
Will the Parking Brake Light reset itself on a Aston Martin DBS?
If the trigger was temporary, a Aston Martin DBS may turn the Parking Brake Light off automatically after a few drive cycles. If it remains lit, the vehicle is telling you the fault is still present, and the symbol will only go out for good once the cause is fixed.