How do you turn off brake assist on a Chevy?
Short answer: In most Chevrolet vehicles, you cannot manually turn off brake assist. It is a built-in safety feature that automatically helps apply braking force during hard or emergency stops, and there isn’t a universal on/off switch in the controls.
Brake assist works alongside the ABS and other safety systems to determine how much braking pressure to apply in critical situations. This article explains how brake assist functions, why it’s not typically user-disableable, and what related safety settings you might be able to adjust, depending on model and year.
Brake Assist: What It Is and Why It Matters
Brake assist is designed to detect rapid or emergency braking and increase brake pressure to shorten stopping distances. It activates behind the scenes and doesn’t require driver intervention. Because it’s meant to improve safety in sudden braking scenarios, most Chevrolet vehicles don’t provide a dedicated toggle to disable it. Availability and behavior can vary by model and production year.
Can You Turn It Off on a Chevy?
In most Chevrolet models, brake assist itself cannot be turned off through a switch or menu. It automatically contributes during hard braking as part of the braking and stability systems. Some vehicles may offer controls to disable related features—such as Forward Collision Alert or Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)—in certain trims or years, but the brake assist function itself is generally not user-disableable. Model and year specifics can vary, so consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for instructions tailored to your vehicle.
Disabling Related Safety Features (If Available)
Some Chevrolets allow drivers to deactivate features that work in tandem with brake assist, such as Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). If your model supports this, the controls are usually found in the vehicle’s Settings or Driver Assistance menus on the infotainment screen. The exact path can differ by model and year, but the general approach is as follows:
- Power the vehicle to On and access the Settings/Driver Assist section on the infotainment display.
- Locate Forward Collision Alert and, if present, Automatic Emergency Braking.
- Toggle FCA to Off; if available, toggle AEB to Off as well.
- Confirm prompts and test to ensure the setting is saved.
Disabling these related features can reduce automatic braking interventions, so do so only if you understand the safety implications and in appropriate driving conditions. Availability and steps vary by model/year.
Disabling Traction Control or ESC (If Offered)
In some Chevrolet models, you may find a button to temporarily disable traction control or electronic stability control (ESC). This is not the same as turning off brake assist, but it affects overall vehicle stability and braking feel in certain situations (e.g., getting unstuck from snow or mud). If your model supports it, the controls are typically labeled ESC OFF or Traction OFF and are located on the center console or near the dash. The exact behavior can vary; some systems re-enable automatically after a short period or above a certain speed.
- Press the ESC OFF / Traction OFF button as instructed in your manual.
- Be aware that disabling stability control can reduce handling safety; use only when necessary and in safe conditions.
- Understand that some vehicles may re-enable the system automatically when you restart the engine or drive above a certain speed.
These steps are model/year dependent, and not all Chevys offer a permanent disable option. Always refer to your owner’s manual for precise instructions.
What to Do If Brake Assist Feels Unusual
If brake assist seems to engage inappropriately or you notice braking behavior that doesn’t feel right, schedule a service check with a Chevrolet technician. Potential causes include sensor or ABS issues (such as wheel speed sensors), worn brake components, or problems with the braking controller. Regular maintenance and diagnostics can identify and fix faults that affect braking performance.
Other Safety Settings You Might Control
Beyond brake assist, many Chevrolet models offer driver-assistance features you can tailor to your needs. These can include Forward Collision Alert, Lane Change Alert, Parking Assist, and more. Availability and control methods vary by model and trim, so consult your manual or the vehicle’s Settings menu for specifics.
Summary
Brake assist is a safety feature designed to improve stopping power during emergencies and is typically not user-disableable in Chevrolet vehicles. You may be able to adjust related features like Forward Collision Alert or Automatic Emergency Braking on some models, depending on year and trim, but the brake-assist function itself usually remains active. For model-specific guidance, always check your owner’s manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer, and prioritize safe driving while exploring any safety-system settings.
What causes brake assist to come on?
The brake assist light comes on when there's a problem with the brake assist system, often due to low brake fluid, a vacuum leak, or a faulty brake booster. Other common causes include issues with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a faulty brake pedal sensor, or a blown fuse. It's important to have a mechanic inspect the issue promptly, as this warning indicates a potential reduction in your vehicle's braking performance.
This video explains what the service brake assist message means and its potential causes: 1mcar PROblemsYouTube · May 16, 2024
Common causes of the brake assist light
This video demonstrates how to check brake fluid level: 56sStudent LessonYouTube · Oct 15, 2025
- Low brake fluid: A low brake fluid level can prevent the system from building enough pressure to operate correctly.
- Vacuum leak or faulty brake booster: The brake booster uses vacuum to help you press the brake pedal. A leak in the vacuum hose or a failing booster will trigger the light.
- Faulty brake pedal sensor: The system uses sensors to detect how forcefully you're pressing the brake. If these sensors malfunction, they can trigger the warning.
- ABS system issues: Brake assist and the ABS are linked. A problem with the ABS, its sensors, or a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor can cause the brake assist light to come on.
- Wiring or fuse problems: A blown fuse or a problem with the wiring and connections can disrupt the system's operation.
- Worn brake components: Issues with components like brake pads or rotors can impact the entire braking system and sometimes trigger this warning.
What to do when the light comes on
- Do not ignore it: The warning indicates a potential safety issue that could lead to longer stopping distances.
- Check your parking brake: Ensure the parking brake is completely disengaged, as some cars use a similar light for this.
- Check brake fluid: Safely pull over and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it is low, add the correct type of fluid.
- Take it to a professional: If the light remains on, it's best to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle to accurately diagnose and fix the problem.
How to fix brake assist service?
To fix "service brake assist," start by checking for simple issues like low brake fluid or a blown fuse, and try resetting the system by disconnecting the battery. If the problem persists, use an OBD2 scanner to read error codes, as these will pinpoint the specific component that needs repair or replacement, which could be anything from a faulty brake sensor or brake booster to a vacuum leak or worn-out brake pads.
Simple checks and resets
This video demonstrates how to check your brake fluid level and inspect for leaks: 1mDashboard warning lights YouTube · Feb 29, 2024
- Check brake fluid: Make sure the brake fluid is at the correct level. If it's low, top it off with the recommended fluid and check for leaks. If the fluid is contaminated, a system flush may be needed.
- Check fuses: Look in your vehicle's fuse box for any blown fuses related to the brake or ABS system and replace them.
- Reset the system: Disconnect the negative battery terminal, press the brake pedal to drain any remaining power, then reconnect the battery. If the light returns, there is an underlying issue that needs further investigation.
Advanced diagnostics and repairs
This video explains how to use an OBD2 scanner to read error codes: 52sStudent LessonYouTube · Oct 15, 2025
- Scan for trouble codes: Use an OBD2 scanner to get specific error codes, which will provide a clear direction for diagnosis. Some systems may require a specialized scanner.
- Inspect for vacuum leaks: Listen for a hissing sound from the brake booster vacuum hose while the engine is running. A leak will reduce brake assist. If you find a leak, replace the hose or faulty components.
- Inspect brake components: Check for worn-out brake pads, rotors, or a faulty brake booster, which can trigger the warning light.
- Check sensors: Look for faulty brake pressure sensors or ABS sensors. These can be identified with a scanner and may need cleaning, repair, or replacement.
When to see a mechanic
- If the problem isn't obvious after the initial checks.
- If you're not comfortable performing the diagnostic steps yourself.
- If the warning lights for other systems (like traction control or ABS) are also on, as this indicates a more complex issue.
- If the "brake by wire" system is the cause, as it requires professional calibration and may need updated software.
Can brake assist be turned off?
You can also turn the feature off through the Settings menu. It will either be in the Park Assist settings or under Reverse Automatic Braking, depending on your vehicle. If you turn Reverse Automatic Braking off, the feature will stay off till you turn it back on, even if you restart your vehicle.
Why does my Chevy say service brake assist?
The 'Service Brake Assist' warning usually indicates a fault in the brake assist system or related sensors. Common causes include faulty wheel speed sensors, ABS module glitches, or low brake fluid levels. The warning blocking the speedometer suggests an electronic cluster alert designed for safety.
