What is the p button in Honda?

The “P button” in Honda vehicles generally refers to parking-related controls: it can denote the Park gear in automatic transmissions or the electronic parking brake (EPB) control, depending on the model and year.

Two main meanings of the P button

Honda’s approach to parking controls has evolved, so the button you see may perform one of two primary functions. Here’s how to recognize and use each interpretation across recent models.

Interpretation A: Park gear in automatic transmissions

The Park position is part of the standard PRNDL gear layout. Engaging Park locks the transmission and helps keep the car stationary when you park. In many cars, you shift to P using the gear selector when you are at a complete stop and have the brake applied. Some models have a dedicated P button on the gear shifter instead of a traditional lever.

When you have a traditional automatic gear shifter, the P position is used to park the car and secure it. Below are common steps and considerations:

• Engaging Park: Come to a complete stop, keep your foot on the brake, and move the shift lever to P or press the P button on the shifter if applicable.


• What happens after Park is engaged: The transmission locks, the P indicator lights up on the instrument cluster, and you can turn off the engine (or leave it running in some configurations) as needed.


• Tips and cautions: Always apply the parking brake as an extra measure on slopes; ensure the vehicle is truly stationary before shifting into P; on steep inclines, use additional braking support rather than relying on Park alone.

In this setup, Park is the standard secure parking state and should be used when leaving the vehicle or stopping for an extended period on level ground or gentle slopes.

Interpretation B: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with a P button

In many newer Hondas, the parking brake is electronic and controlled by a small switch labeled “P” on the center console. The P switch applies the electronic parking brake to hold the vehicle in place, with automatic release when you begin to move, depending on configuration.

For models with EPB, this is how the P button works and how to use it:

• Engaging the EPB: With the vehicle at a stop and the brake pedal depressed, press the P switch to apply the electronic parking brake; a dash indicator usually confirms engagement.


• Releasing the EPB: With your foot on the brake, press the P switch again (or press the accelerator to trigger auto-release, depending on the model); some versions require you to press the brake and then push the switch to release.


• Auto-release and safety features: On most models, the EPB releases automatically when you begin to move or when you shift out of Park and apply the accelerator; use the brake pedal as needed on slopes and when parking.

The EPB provides a compact, electronic alternative to a traditional handbrake and is common on many Honda models from the mid-2010s onward; verify operation for your exact vehicle in the owner’s manual.

Model variations and how to verify on your car

Because Honda uses different configurations by trim and year, the exact button and its function can vary. The best source is your owner’s manual or the instrument cluster display.

• Find the button or lever: Look for a switch labeled P with a brake icon on the center console or near the brake and gear shifter.


• Confirm the function in the instrument cluster: An indicator P appears when Parking is engaged or the EPB is active.


• Understand your model: Some older or base models still use a traditional handbrake lever, while newer trims use EPB or a push-button selector for gear engagement.

Model variations exist; always refer to official documentation for your specific Honda model to avoid misusing the system.

Safety reminders

Parking controls are essential for keeping the car stationary, but they are not a substitute for safe parking technique. Use the appropriate parking brake in conjunction with the Park position when available, and exercise extra caution on slopes.

Summary

Across Honda’s lineup, the P button typically designates parking-related controls, either the Park gear in older automatic transmissions or the Electronic Parking Brake control on newer models. The precise operation depends on the year and trim; always consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle to understand exactly how it behaves, how to release it, and when to use it for safe parking.

What is the p button in a Honda Civic?

You can control the Honda Parking Sensors through a button to the left of your steering wheel. The parking assist symbol is depicted by the letter "P" and a cone icon.

What does the p button do in my car?

The "P" button in a car most commonly stands for Park on the gear selector, which locks the transmission when parking. However, a "P" button can also refer to an electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which manually or automatically engages the brakes, or the Parking Assist system, which helps the driver park the car automatically.
 
Common meanings of the "P" button
1. Park (on the gear selector) 

• Function: The 'P' on the gear shift locks the transmission, preventing the car from rolling. 
• When to use: When the car is stopped and you are putting it away. 
• Important note: Always engage the parking brake before shifting into 'P' to take the stress off the transmission. 

2. Parking Brake (electronic)

• Function: This button, often an electronic switch, engages and disengages the parking brake to hold the car in place. 
• When to use: It can be used manually, but some cars have an auto-park feature that engages it automatically when the car is in 'P'. 
• Appearance: It may look like a button with a 'P' inside a circle, or a switch with a 'P' and an up/down arrow. 

3. Parking Assist

• Function: This feature uses sensors to help guide the car into a parking spot, either by providing alerts or by automatically handling the steering.
• When to use: To activate the feature and begin the parking process.
• Appearance: The symbol often shows a 'P' with a wireless signal and/or a traffic cone. 

What is the purpose of park assist?

Park assist is a car feature that helps drivers park by using sensors and cameras to detect obstacles and guide the vehicle into a space. Systems vary from simple alerts to fully automated steering, braking, and gear shifting, with some offering advanced functions like exiting a space automatically or even remote parking using a smartphone app. 
This video shows how to use the park assist feature in a Hyundai vehicle: 52sHyundaiUSAYouTube · Apr 3, 2025
How it works

• Sensing: The system uses sensors and cameras to scan the area around the vehicle, identifying potential parking spots and obstacles like other cars, curbs, or walls. 
• Guidance: It provides information to the driver through visual cues on the dashboard or infotainment screen, and audio alerts to help gauge distance from other objects. 
• Automated control: Depending on the system, it can control the steering wheel, accelerator, brakes, and gear shifts to maneuver the car into the parking space. 

Types of park assist

• Steering-assisted: The most basic type. It uses sensors to help with steering but requires the driver to control the gas and brake pedals. 
• Fully automated: The system takes over full control of steering, braking, and acceleration to park the car automatically. 
• Park and exit: This feature can guide the car into a parking space and then automatically drive it out again when you are ready to leave. 
• Remote control: Allows the driver to park the car from outside the vehicle using a smartphone or key fob. 

What does p mean in Honda?

DRIVING. ∎ Electronic Gear Selector. Park (P): Used for parking or starting. Press P with the brake pedal pressed. A red indicator appears.