Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.

If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this light should come on when you turn the key to START. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if your parking brake does not release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.

If the light comes on and Brake message comes on the Driver Information Center (DIC), while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push or the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light and Towing Your Vehicle.

Caution: The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.

The Brake message will remain until (Trip/Fuel) or (Enter) are pressed, but the brake light will remain until the problem is fixed. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.