How to Solve the Problem of Hard Brake Pedal and Engine Not Starting?
2 Answers
Restart the engine and then try to press the brake pedal hard to restart the car. After the engine starts working, the brake booster pump will resume operation, and the brake pedal will return to normal. You can try pressing the pedal multiple times to see if the braking function can be restored. Pressing hard usually still allows the braking force to be applied.
I've been fixing cars for years, and I often encounter issues like hard brakes that won't press or cars that won't start. The root cause is usually a problem with the vacuum booster system—if the engine doesn't start, the vacuum source is cut off, and the brakes naturally lose power. Most of the time, it's due to a dead battery or a faulty starting system. My advice is to take it step by step: First, check the battery by turning on the headlights to see how bright they are. If they're dim or don't light up, the battery is dead, and you can try jump-starting or push-starting the car. If the battery is fine, listen to the starting sound—if you hear a clicking noise, the starter might be bad; if there's no sound, check the ignition switch. For the brakes, if the engine isn't running, the vacuum booster won't work, which is normal. But if the brakes are still hard after starting, you should check the booster pump or hoses for leaks. Don't try to dismantle complex parts yourself—you might blow a fuse and make things worse. Regular maintenance is crucial, especially for the battery and brake system, to avoid being stranded on the road. I've also seen cases where aging vacuum hoses caused leaks, especially in cold weather. Bringing a pressure gauge to do a simple test can help prevent issues. Safety is paramount—if you spot a problem, stop and fix it immediately.
