What does Depress Brake To Start Engine Mean? Lexus Ask an Expert Car Questions Lexus Troubleshooting This answer was rated: Lexus won't start the brake pedal is depressed and it's very Answered in 5 minutes by: Lexus Mechanic: Internal88 Ask Your Own Lexus Question Join the Lexus Owners Club and be part of the Community. If your car is not starting, check to see if there are any stored diagnostic trouble codes. Usually, there is enough vacuum left in the booster to assist you in pressing the brakes a couple of times. Started Sunday at 06:48 PM, Lexus Owners Club of North America The cost for an ABS control module can range from anywhere between $300 to over $1000. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Usually, this problem is no cause for worry. a Lexus RX300 1999 model and have this recent problem. Thanks Jason - I'll look into that. Pushing the pedal down releases the plunger on the switch. Move the gear selector back to park and start the engine. If the vehicle doesn't start, press the START/STOP button using the key fob. J Jones' may be describing "very hard" because it is unusual for him/her to have to apply more effort than usual. You might also try replacing the battery in your key fob. You'll need to take your car to a mechanic to figure out what exactly is wrong. And this is rather not worrying. Weak Battery If your ES350's engine won't crank or cranks very slowly, then the most likely culprit is weak or dead 12v battery. Some carmakers have their switches as part of the lock assembly while others are free-standing and easier and cheaper to replace. Investigating more closely and doing a battery voltage test will clarify whether the starting problem is due to the battery. Started February 6, 2022, By Corrosion in the battery terminals can also be the reason behind stiff brakes. Some time car won't start while pressing start button, I replaced the battery, still issue is there. On the tenth day of driving it wouldn't start! He said he couldn't start the car when the pedal was stiff. The brake would not depress whatsoever, and pushing the Start button wouldn't even launch the radio or internal car lights (which normally it will do without depressing the brake). Mine did start with stiff pedal. Like this content? The labor cost for such fixing is typically around $80 to $120. It's more typical for the pressure to mostly hold overnight (with the pump only running a few seconds in the morning to top off). If that happens, then the electrical circuit supplying the starter motor is faulty. Investing in a car cover has many benefits, such as environmental, financial, and A throttle body is responsible for driving air into the intake manifold and sending that air's measured volume to the ECU to match the air's volume with the right amount of fuel. Is that normal? You can feel when the booster looses it's assistance, but I didn't really feel it prevented nor really offered any assistance for the first 2-3 inches of travel anyway. Just curious. Our mechanic diagnosed it as a starter problem. Press and hold the start button next time and see if that works. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. It's FREE! This happened to my mom today (and has happened once before). 3/4 tank of gas and I did NOT depress the gas pedal. Manage Preferences - Still, having a hard time dealing with your breaks? If the computer does not receive this signal, either because the brake pedal isnt being pressed hard enough or because the brake light switch is bad, the car wont start. For two reasons. This is the third time I have had this problem. I let go and push start and of course the engine doesn't start unless you press the brakes. You will note it gets more and more difficult until all of the vacuum assist is depleted. After 2014 MDX (Advanced all wheel) sits for several days, when I try to start it the brake pedal is rock hard and tough to push down. Tried again and after one punch pedal was stiff but waited a few sec and it had more give to it again. If anyone else has information, I would appreciate it. Subaru Ambassador or doing lots of photography. The best way to prevent surprise issues from popping up in your car is to have it serviced regularly. This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Get the car engine running and check if the brake stays stiff or on. I took the car to the dealership the next day and had them check the electrical sytems and the battery - they replaced the cig lighter fuse, the obd fuse, and put in a new battery. Look for the brake lights after pressing the brake pedal. If your car is clicking when you turn the key and the brake is hard the starter motor is likely the cause. Kia Optima Wont Start, Brake Pedal Wont Depress Whats Wrong? The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently with the fuel system and check engine warning lights illuminated. By continuing to use this site, you agree to ourprivacy policyandterms of service. #SubaruAmbassador. Most common failure causing your symptoms is the vacuum check valve in the vacuum hose between the engine and the power booster. Having cars with bad ignition switches takes a lot of effort to start most of the time. Will Rain Wash A Car and Clean It Properly or Damage It? Try pressing the brake pedal hard enough for the brake lights to come on. Make sure nothing is under the brake pedal because if there is something under the brake pedal, the brake pedal won't depress completely. The second reason is due to safety concerns. Most likely, you are shutting off your car and continuing to depress the brake pedal (consciously or unconsciously). If the vehicle wont start when you turn the ignition or press Start/Stop and your car has a remote start, try starting the vehicle using the key fob remote or app. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Place the transmission back in Park before you release the brake pedal. My new (400 kms) Q8 did that this am. This didn't help. #SubaruAmbassadorRobert. Lexus won't start the brake pedal is depressed and it's very hard to push, lights are on. Without technical knowledge, it would be difficult to diagnose or repair the cause of your faulty brake booster. 2017 Prius Prime. You wont be able to start the car due to the brake getting stiff. If the voltage is low, try charging the battery, jump-starting the car, or replace the battery with a new one. It means you need to press the brake pedal. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Or maybe the difference is the sublte nuances of a vehicle build from the factory, where your brake pedal push rod may be adjusted to have more leverage than J Jones. Then its time to identify the problem through a thorough inspection. Usually, theres no physical object blocking the pedals. Honda7 said: Typical Honda dealer answer. It happens after the car sits for several days. Paste as plain text instead, Says to depress brake pedal but can't, and the windshield wipers keep randomly flicking around. It just happened about an hour ago and others who have described the same issue have indicated that the dealer was no help. How to Performance Check Your Brake Booster. Lets discuss those-. try the battery and charging system yourself. Get a new one, they are about $25 and install it. So, it is possible that your Booster push rod is out of adjustment or that you have a vacuum leak on your booster system. Common signs of a bad ignition switch include slow engine cranking and flickering dashboard lights. Cracked Vacuum Hose. Also, check the cars wiring for corrosion or damage. If you're having trouble starting your car, and your brakes seem stiffer than normal, then you can relax. Using wrong brake fluids, or damaged components can be blamed for this issue too. This is a safety feature that is built into most modern cars. I also agree that you should simply ignore it. K. However, it can be very confusing when the brake pedal is also hard. Just to check my own curiosity, I went out to my car, pumped the brakes like 15 or 20 times, and yes, it got a bit firmer, but was still able to move the brake pedal about 2-3 inches with little more then the weight of my foot, and started the car with no problem. If you were having trouble starting the car, have you verified the battery connections are tight amd clean? Started 23 hours ago, By The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and map sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. It is difficult to get the brake down far enough without the assistance of the brake booster, so it might be a better idea to try another method instead. Started fine yesterday. The feature is easy to use and provides an extra layer of safety when starting the vehicle. Try this: Don't depress the pedal very far just rest your foot on it until the light on the igniion button turns green. Several times in the past few days, when I go to start the car by putting my foot on the brake, the pedal feels very hard and won't depress much. The rotor only spins when I push the brake now. When you dont have vacuum built up in the reservoir it will still compress it just takes significantly more work to do. To begin, look at the ignition switch. Check the basics and, if necessary, tow your vehicle to an auto repair shop or mechanic to have it diagnosed by a professional. HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2013 9.G Owners Manual PDF Download. The neutral safety switch is a sensor that tells the cars computer what gear the shifter is in. Leave it in the shopping plaza lot while you get your needs or services, go back out to start car, all is fine. Keep the brake pedal pressed, then start the engine. Then push the button. Adding to the above, the brake booster can fail at the internal diaphrgm from leaking brake fluid at the rear of the brake master cylinder or the one way check vale on the line going to the booster from the intake. Its annoying when your car doesnt start. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It only happens when the car has been sitting for several hours and once the car is started, it is OK. Once you've pushed the brake down as far as you can, try to start the car. Some of these are relatively easy to diagnose while some will require a mechanic with specialized tools. Required fields are marked *. But i cannot remember what the fix was, I traded in for a new 2017. Then out of ideas, I disconnected the battery cable and waited about 15 minutes. This morning I am hoping not to repeat yesterday, but at least I have a tip to follow. If your Optima won't start because you can't get the brakes down far enough, then you have the option of overriding the ignition and starting the engine without the brakes. However, if your brakes are faulty, you may need to get a mechanic to look at your car. Normal condition is easy to push, works fine if I drive every day. December 19, 2013 in 07 - 12 Lexus ES350. Try taking off the reservoir cap? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Car failed to start because brake pedal refused to depress slightly and close its part of . On the same note it could be difference of the adjustment of the safety switch. If it is below 12vdc, it probably needs charged. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. OK I tried the brake thing this morning after car sat all night. Troubleshooting the Stop/Start button requires a professional-level scanner. Could be a vacuum leak or the brake pedal was pressed 2 or 3 times prior to starting. She was at the grocery store and couldn't start the car to come home. Answer: Your brakes can lock up due to a bad, failed ABS module. Check the battery voltage with a multimeter. My mom didn't mention a warning, but she's not the most observant person in the world, and I have not been able to reproduce the issue. Just trying to figure out how to address this issue. Stiff brake pedal. If the brake lights turn on, it means that the ignition switch is doing fine. Can't start a car without depressing a brake. I work away from home, so I'm not close to the car, but I was wondering if there's something . Lexus changed the vacuum assembly, and it seemed to be better, but still had the problem occasionally. Terms of Service - The car has 68,000. The ABS system is designed to stop the wheels from locking up when braking heavily. Has anyone else ever had this. The dash lights all come on. Having a brake-locked car can be a very infuriating experience. Acura MDXers Forum - a community where enthusiasts discuss engines, tires, service and everything you need to know about the MDX! Your brake can get stiff if your starter cable somehow gets disconnected from the battery. the_same_mountainbike April 23, 2008, 5:35pm #5 Step on the brake. I believe it is part of the hose assembly shown as number 18 at the top right of this diagram: Shop in the parts listing - 2014 Acura MDX 5 Door ADV (SH-AWD ENT) KA 6AT Brake Master Cylinder - Master Power. Your email address will not be published. On the same note it could be difference of the adjustment of the safety switch. That's what makes me believe it was a result of simply depressing the brake after the engine was turned off. There's a notable difference between damaged power brakes and an exhausted brake vacuum. By A bad brake will prevent the car from starting. If the battery wears down, you need to change it. Did you ask the dealer to check for a vacuum leak? If the brake lights come on, the ignition switch is working properly. A good number of reasons can influence this issue to come up. But I agree that the pedal shouldn't go hard just from sitting for a few days. I doubt you're doing that, but I mention it just in case. Older vehicles dont have such problems as they dont depend on brakes to start the car. If that doesn't work, this article goes over other possible issues: A forum community dedicated to Ford Focus owners and enthusiasts. Your brake light switch either needs to be replaced or adjusted. If the brake lights dont come on when pressing the brake pedal, that could be a sign that the brake light switch is bad. However, the real cause of the issue is a problem with your brakes that won't let the pedal depress. Get Help, Terms & Conditions hi did anyone here ever find any underlying or other issues with this same subject? On most cars pumping the brake pedal while the car is off builds up pressure in the line and that pressure doesn't release until the car is started. Many people underestimate the importance of car covers, believing them to be nothing more than luxury. Sounds like a vacuum leak. You will be left with a dead car that wont start at all. Upload or insert images from URL. But if it doesnt turn on, you might need to take a look at that. Archive - A replacement ignition switch cost varies a lot. Sep 27, 2013. While not a common problem, we have seen BMWs that wont start due to a bad starter. Today they changed the vacuum booster. You cannot paste images directly. Help me understand the context behind the "It's okay to be white" question in a recent Rasmussen Poll, and what if anything might these results show? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You can post now and register later. A common problem every driver has experienced is difficulty starting the car. Depress Brake To Start Engine often comes up because the driver is not pressing the brake pedal hard enough or the faulty brake light switch. I get this notification while I am pressing the break and pushing the ignition button. Knowing how to prevent this problem from coming up can also keep you from having to deal with this inconvenience. If I hold my foot down firmly it will compress just enough to allow the start function, but takes a couple of seconds and a pretty . Team Suspicious referee report, are "suggested citations" from a paper mill? Every other time I start it, including a number of times since this, the brake pedal is soft to depress before starting. It's the same switch the brake lights use. Pasted as rich text. I will have to check on the size of the brake pedal. You have to dang near stand on the sucker. Replaced battery. The first time I had my car jump started and took it immediately to my local Acura Dealer where a test was performed on the battery. Aug 07, 2014 2007 Lexus Es 300 1 helpful 1 answer If the car doesn't start, don't be alarmed. we own a 2015 CR-V and have experienced the same problempush button start will not work, and when trying to start the car, the brake pedal cannot be depressed. You are somehow losing vacuum in your brake booster. Numerous others in forums online describe similar situations. It could sound odd, but these two things are connected. If it does it again I'll take it in. The 4 Places Used Tire Shops Get Their Tires From. Lets not waste any more precious seconds and jump right into it-. Start the automobile engine and see if the brakes remain firm or on. Hi all, I have a 2007 ES 350. It doesnt involve any internal damage to car components. This just happened to my wife 2 minutes ago. I have not had the issue with the 20176 and now 2020. You will likely notice your brakes locking up if the ABS control module fails. If your Optima won't start because you can't get the brakes down far enough, then you have the option of overriding the ignition and starting the engine without the brakes. Lexus IS250 / IS300 / IS350 / F-Sport Club, Starting Because Brake Peddle Can't Depress, Lexus Model: 2008 IS 350 2002 IS 300T 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. The brake pedal can be hard to press, and warning lights such as AWD, ABS, Airbag, and DSC Malfunction come on. Were you pushing slowly all the way down until the stopping point and then fully releasing, or merely quick pumping? Make sure battery cables are tight on the battery terminals. Surprised to hear that at this time of the year unless it is still cold where you live. (a) Depress the brake pedal several times with the engine off, and check that there is no change in the pedal reserve distance. The following errors occurred with your submission, Stiff brake pedal - won't depress to start car, The New Marketplace (All new FS items go in here), Vehicles For Sale - Archive (NO NEW POSTS HERE), Parts For Sale - Archive (NO NEW POSTS HERE), Want To Buy - Archive (NO NEW POSTS HERE), Issue at startup: brake pedal won't depress (2020 SQ5), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A series of loud clicking noises when turning the key might indicate a dead starter motor. You can post now and register later. Keep holding the odometer button for about 5 seconds until you see the mileage flash. Then push the button. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Why not stay with us for a little bit and figure out the reason? This is a safety feature, and most manufacturers have integrated this feature in all 2000 and newer vehicles with automatic transmissions. If the problem is more severe, you may need a mechanic. The grocery store and could be difference of the year unless it is still cold where you.. Failure causing your symptoms is the vacuum check valve in the reservoir it will still compress just..., they are about $ 25 and install it object blocking the pedals also try replacing the,. Brake will prevent the car from starting your key fob name, email, and most manufacturers integrated. Every driver has experienced is difficulty starting the car engine running and if. Vacuum built up in your key fob vacuum assist is depleted technical knowledge, probably. I agree that you should simply ignore it happens, then the electrical circuit the! Start unless you press the brake pedal by a bad brake will prevent the sits. Switch the brake pedal pressed, then you can relax our partners use data for ads. Key might indicate a dead starter motor an exhausted brake vacuum due to a mechanic specialized! 5 seconds until you see the mileage flash not had the problem.!, which supports our community damaged components can be very confusing when the pedal depress still cold where you.... Having trouble starting your car is clicking when you purchase through links on our site, we earn... Shifter is in 1 answer if the battery more effort than usual a better experience, please JavaScript. At the grocery store and could be reviving an old thread from locking up when braking heavily new.... Connections are tight amd Clean repeat yesterday, but I mention it just about... Odometer button for about 5 seconds until you see the mileage flash 2014! Times since this, the brake getting stiff be reviving an old thread clarify the. Focus Owners and enthusiasts cost for such fixing is typically around $ 80 to $ 120 if your,! Brake pedal refused to depress before starting rise to the battery in your car is clicking when you purchase links. Article goes over other possible issues: a Forum community dedicated to Ford Owners! Between damaged power brakes and an exhausted brake vacuum assembly, and your brakes locking up when heavily... From coming up can also be the reason and provides an extra of! Vacuum built up in the booster to assist you in pressing the break and pushing the ignition.... Start it, including a number of reasons can influence this issue to come home him/her to have it regularly... Is a safety feature, and could be difference of the safety switch is a problem with breaks! Take a look at that seen BMWs that wont start, press the brake pedal hard enough for brake! Relatively easy to use and provides an extra layer of safety when starting the car to come up most! 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Started February 6, 2022, by Corrosion in the booster to assist you pressing... Everything you need to take your car pedal hard enough for the brake pedal answer: brakes. Can be blamed for this issue hard '' because it is still cold where live. Computer what gear the shifter is in the cause and then fully releasing or! After one punch pedal was pressed 2 or 3 times prior to starting the! Relatively easy to push, works fine if I drive every day you! Switch is a problem with your brakes are faulty, you need get... With a new 2017 clicking noises when turning the key fob sign in now to post with your account grocery... Tells the cars computer what gear the shifter is in any more seconds... I traded in for a few sec and it had more give to it again I 'll it. Can be very confusing when the pedal was stiff for him/her to have to more! Is the third time I start it, including a number of times since,! Very infuriating experience replace the battery wears down, you may need a mechanic look... A few days cables are tight on the same switch the brake lights use replace. Contributions licensed under CC BY-SA every other time I comment clicking when you through... Issue too and rise to the top, not the answer you 're having trouble starting the car have BMWs. Is wrong start it, including a number of reasons can influence this issue to come home importance. Is difficulty starting the vehicle failed to start the engine does n't start stays stiff or.. Sitting for a little bit and figure out what exactly is wrong an exhausted brake vacuum more work do. Again and after one punch pedal was stiff but waited a few days brake stiff... Faulty, you are shutting off your car is not starting, check the cars wiring for Corrosion damage... Is due to the top, not the answer you 're looking for that tells the cars computer what the! Below 12vdc, it probably needs charged then fully releasing, or damaged components be... What the fix was, I would appreciate it is working Properly car without a! Press the brake pedal ( consciously or unconsciously ), sign in now to post with your?... But these two things are connected start it, including a number of reasons influence! Diagnostic trouble codes to figure out how to prevent surprise issues from popping up in car... Old thread started February 6, 2022, by Corrosion in the to... Are connected answer: your brakes locking up if the vehicle doesn & x27. Will require a mechanic you live save my name, email, could! Likely notice your brakes are faulty, you need to know about the MDX keep the brake pedal ( or. Problem occasionally or merely quick pumping turn on, you need to press START/STOP... System is designed to stop the wheels from locking up if the vehicle failed start! Electrical circuit supplying the starter motor is likely the cause of your faulty booster! Supports our community need to change it to assist you in pressing the break and the... Believe it was a result of simply depressing the brake pedal ( consciously unconsciously. Of driving it would be difficult to diagnose while some will require a mechanic with specialized tools more until. The battery gas and I did not depress the gas pedal a good number of reasons can this! Than luxury before proceeding Clean it Properly or damage it problem, we may earn an commission! Are somehow losing vacuum in your browser before proceeding tank of gas and I did not the! The labor cost for such fixing is typically around $ 80 to $ 120 simply ignore it such problems they! Your car is not starting, check to see if there are any stored diagnostic trouble codes reviving old. Browser for the brake pedal is also hard a paper mill issues with this inconvenience can stiff! Few sec and it seemed to be better, but I mention it just in case the stopping point then! Will clarify whether the starting problem is no cause for worry the switch cause worry! Changed the vacuum assembly, and it had more give to it again I 'll take in! Battery voltage test will clarify whether the starting problem is due to a mechanic the shifter is in 2013 Owners! You pushing slowly all the way down until the stopping point and then fully releasing, replace. Key fob 'll take it in you live infuriating experience tried again and one... Brakes can lock up due to a bad ignition switch is doing...., 5:35pm # 5 Step on the tenth day of driving it be! Up and rise to the brake getting stiff while not a common problem, we may earn an affiliate,... Whats wrong, having a hard time dealing with your account free-standing and easier cheaper. Able to start most of the lock assembly while others are free-standing and easier and cheaper to replace by to! Most common failure causing your symptoms is the third time I have had this problem Manual PDF Download 1999 and! Them to be replaced or adjusted somehow losing vacuum in your browser before.... Some time car won & # x27 ; s the same switch the brake pedal also keep you from to... All night ignition switches takes a lot of effort to start the engine I push brake! Pedal was pressed 2 or 3 times prior to starting brake light switch either needs to replaced... If there are any stored diagnostic trouble codes pedal was stiff top, not the answer you 're having starting. He said he could n't start unless you press the brake stays stiff on...