OBD-II fault code

P05E5: Park Brake Sensor or Switch Circuit High

What it means

Same as P05E3 with the signal shorted to supply. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the check-engine light

How it works

The park-brake switch or position sensor reports brake status through a signal circuit monitored by the control module. This high-circuit code sets when the signal voltage is higher than expected, often because the signal is shorted to a supply or the circuit connection is faulty.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Signal shorted to supply
  2. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
  3. Supply wire pinched against B+ source

Symptoms

  • Park-brake warning light or message may behave incorrectly
  • Check-engine or brake warning light may illuminate

How to diagnose it

  1. Save freeze-frame data and monitor live park-brake status while applying and releasing the brake to confirm the signal remains high.
  2. Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion, damaged terminals, or pins pushed back, and check for signs of water ingress.
  3. Follow the signal wire and look for chafing or pinching where it could contact a supply wire or other powered circuit.
  4. Using the wiring diagram and the specified isolation procedure, test for a short to supply and compare readings with the manufacturer's specification.
  5. If the wiring is intact, test the switch or sensor and circuit connections against the manufacturer's specification.

Common fixes

  • Secure a loose park-brake sensor connector.
  • Clean or repair corroded or damaged connector terminals.
  • Repair the signal wire where it is pinched or shorted to a supply.
  • Replace a park-brake switch or position sensor that fails testing.

Can I keep driving?

The park-brake status may be wrong, so verify the brake is fully released before driving and do not rely on hill-hold or stop-start to indicate its state. Stop if the brake warning stays on or you feel the brake dragging.

A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together

This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.

Codes for the same component

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