Volkswagen Vanagon Parking brake light stays on Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(15)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(15)

Parking brake light stays on Inspection Service

How much does a Parking brake light stays on Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Volkswagen Vanagon Parking brake light stays on Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1980 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.0LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1982 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.0LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1985 Volkswagen VanagonH4-1.9LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1987 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1986 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1991 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1983 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.0LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1989 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeParking brake light stays on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Volkswagen Vanagon Parking brake light stays on Inspection prices

While your primary braking system is used to slow and stop the vehicle during driving, the parking brake is designed to be used, well, when you park. By engaging the parking brake, you are able to take the load off your transmission, avoiding damage and also ensuring that your vehicle is securely parked when on an incline. The Parking Brake light should turn on when you engage the brake, and turn off when the brake is disengaged. However, if the Parking Brake light stays on, there may be one of several problems with the system.

How this system works:

Your parking brake system is a supplemental safety system designed to help secure your car when parking on an incline, as well as to prevent unnecessary loading of the transmission. However, the Parking Brake light is actually a multifunctional indicator. It turns on when you pull the parking brake handle to warn you that the brake is engaged when starting the car.

When you pull the handle, a cable engages the brake, which is located in the rear of the vehicle. There is also a switch that is responsible for sensing the brake being engaged, and then turning on the light in your dash. However, it is also designed to illuminate in several other situations, several of which have little to no connection with the parking brake itself.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Switch: One common reason for the Parking Brake light to stay on is a failing or failed switch. This can be checked easily by jiggling the handle after it is down. If the light turns off (or turns off and then back on), the switch is the most likely culprit and will need to be replaced.

  • Brake Handle Not Completely Lowered: Another reason for the light to stay on is if the brake handle is not completely lowered. Double-check that the handle is all the way down and that the parking brake is disengaged. Any pressure on the parking brake cable will cause the light to stay on.

  • Parking Brake Not Disengaging: Sometimes the trouble isn’t with the switch or the cables, but with the parking brake itself. If the brake does not disengage when the handle is lowered, the warning light will stay on in the dash.

  • Low Brake Fluid: Your Parking Brake light is a multifunction device, and is designed to illuminate if the fluid level in the reservoir drops below a certain point. You may notice the light turning on or off when going around turns as the fluid level changes.

  • Bad Level Sensor: Your master cylinder is equipped with a brake fluid level sensor. It’s sometimes mounted in the side of the sensor, and is sometimes part of the reservoir cap. If the sensor fails or is going bad, the Parking Brake light will turn on.

  • Uneven Fluid Pressure: If your car is experiencing uneven brake fluid pressure in one or more lines, it will affect braking performance, and could possibly cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other during braking. It can also turn on the Parking Brake light in your dash.

What to expect:

A professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to investigate the problem. The mechanic will check the parking brake handle, switch, fluid reservoir and other components, and then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will perform a full inspection on your parking brake system, including the handle, switch and the parking brake shoes. The mechanic will also inspect other brake system components, including the reservoir, cap, fluid level sensor and more. It may be necessary to pull brake system codes from the car’s computer as well.

How important is this service?

While your parking brake is not integral to safe driving, it’s an important component on your car. Moreover, a Parking Brake light that will not go out can indicate many different things, including the parking brake not disengaging, a failed parking brake switch, or even low fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. One of our professional mechanics can inspect the system and determine the underlying cause, ensuring that your car is working properly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Volkswagen mechanics

Real customer reviews from Volkswagen owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(15)

Rating Summary
15
0
0
0
0
15
0
0
0
0

Raymond

36 years of experience
63 reviews
Raymond
36 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Car is not starting - Auburn, Washington
Raymond did an excellent job in determining what was wrong with my van. As a classic car owner, I won't just let anyone touch "My Precious." You can really tell he does what he loves, and he appreciates every vehicle he works on. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Raymond again, what an excellent first time experience with this service!

Scott

36 years of experience
902 reviews
Scott
36 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Phoenix, Arizona
Very thorough, took his time to go over his findings- very pleased!

Harish

27 years of experience
588 reviews
Harish
27 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Alternator - Huntersville, North Carolina
great service

Chris

20 years of experience
448 reviews
Chris
20 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Heater Control Valve - Portland, Oregon
Chris communicated with me and even got here early. He was very nice. Did the work faster than I thought. Will definately use again.

Excellent Rating

(15)

Rating Summary
15
0
0
0
0
15
0
0
0
0
Number of Volkswagen Vanagon services completed
165+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volkswagen MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Seat Belt Safety and Other Tips for Pregnant Women
On On a normal, day-to-day basis, car safety is second nature to most. You get in, strap on your seat belt, adjust your seat and mirrors, and drive off. It often becomes something you don’t think about, until you become...
How Long Does a Cruise Control Cable Last?
Most Most modern vehicles have an electronic throttle actuator that controls the cruise control. Older model vehicles have a cruise control cable. These vehicles with a cruise control cable can be found all the way up to a 2005 Ford...
Child Seat Safety Laws in Montana
In In the state of Montana, everyone is required to wear a seat belt. It’s just common sense. You are also required in Montana to protect children who are travelling in your vehicle. There are laws in place that you...

How do I use the remote keyless entry (RKE) system to locate my vehicle?

The remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter has a vehicle location feature to help you find your car. This system is particularly helpful if your vehicle is in a parking lot or garage surrounded by many other vehicles, and you can’t...

Need to know minimum pad thickness on 2010 Malibu

Hi there. The GM certified service manual states to replace the brake pads (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-pads-replacement) when the friction material has come within .76mm of the mounting surface. The mounting surface is the metal part of the brake pad that the friction...

The power steering fluid overflowed and foamed out of the reservoir when I turned on my car. I just finished changing the alternator and had to move around the p/s reservoir to get the alternator out. I'm thinking air somehow managed to get into the system. Thoughts?

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com