{"id":23859,"date":"2024-11-08T05:01:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T13:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"\/wp-site\/?p=23859"},"modified":"2024-11-28T13:08:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T21:08:00","slug":"what-do-i-do-if-my-car-wont-start-and-my-brake-is-hard","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/what-do-i-do-if-my-car-wont-start-and-my-brake-is-hard\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Brake Pedal Locked and My Car Won\u2019t Start?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question:<\/strong> I went to start my car this morning and I couldn\u2019t press the brake to start it. I think the brakes are locked or something and I don\u2019t know why. What do I do if my brakes are locked and my car won\u2019t start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer:<\/strong> In many modern vehicles, you have to press down on the brake pedal to start the car, so if you can\u2019t depress the brake, you could be left stranded. But don\u2019t panic just yet\u2014some of the fixes for this issue are super easy.

Here are a few reasons your brake pedal is hard to push down and your car won\u2019t start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obstructed brake pedal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Problem:<\/strong> Your floor mats or other objects can sometimes slide behind the brake pedal. If they\u2019re positioned up in a way that keeps the brake pedal from depressing, it could feel like your brakes have locked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fix:<\/strong> Check your floorboard to see if your floor mats or anything else has gotten trapped behind the brake pedal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exhausted brake vacuum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Problem:<\/strong> Most modern cars have power assist, which relies on a brake vacuum to operate. If you pushed on the brake pedals without the engine running, it could have exhausted the reserve vacuum, causing the brake to go stiff. However, a leaking vacuum hose could also contribute to this problem.

Fix:<\/strong> Leave the brakes alone for a few minutes and then start your car. If the brake vacuum was depleted because you pressed the brake pedal with the car off, your brakes should go back to normal once they have power assist. If the problem is a leaking vacuum, you\u2019ll need a qualified mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damaged ignition switch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Problem:<\/strong> If you have an older car, it could be that your ignition switch is going bad. If your ignition switch<\/a> is going bad, your car may not start, and your lights, windows, and radio may not work.

Fix:<\/strong> Ignition switches are a very easy fix and pretty cheap, too. You can replace it yourself or hire a mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faulty starter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Problem: <\/strong>Sometimes, your brakes can get stiff if your starter fails. If you\u2019re hearing loud clicking sounds when you turn the key, this could be because your starter motor is dead or faulty.

Fix: <\/strong>If you\u2019re comfortable working on your car\u2019s battery, you can fix it yourself. Otherwise, hire a mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rusted brake calipers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Problem:<\/strong> Sometimes your brake calipers can develop rust, which will stop them from moving properly. If your car requires you to push the brakes to start the engine, this can prevent your car from starting. This is most common if your car has been sitting up for a while or if you live somewhere very humid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fix: <\/strong>Have your brake calipers replaced<\/a> by a qualified technician. If you\u2019re an experienced at-home mechanic, you can do the job yourself\u2014but be sure to bleed the brakes afterward to avoid air in your brake line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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