What to Do When the Brake Pedal Is Hard to Press and the Engine Won't Start?
3 Answers
Solutions for when the brake pedal is hard to press and the engine won't start: 1. The owner can try restarting the engine and firmly press the brake pedal. Once the engine starts, the brake should return to normal. 2. If pressing the brake multiple times doesn't resolve the issue, the owner should seek a nearby repair shop to diagnose and fix the problem before continuing to drive. The sudden hardening of the brake pedal is usually due to the owner pressing the brake several times after turning off the engine, which depletes the vacuum in the brake booster, making it difficult to press the pedal without assistance. Owners should also pay attention to proper braking techniques during normal driving. At low speeds, emergency braking can be applied by firmly pressing the brake pedal in case of sudden events ahead. However, this should be avoided at high speeds to prevent the vehicle from skidding or rolling over.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered many situations where the brake pedal becomes stiff and the car won't start. This is mostly due to brake vacuum assist failure - the vacuum pump gradually loses pressure after engine shutdown, making the pedal hard after a few pumps. Don't panic in this case - use your full body weight to press the brake pedal completely down while turning the ignition key. If the dashboard doesn't light up at all, it's likely a dead battery - check your headlight brightness to confirm. If it still won't start, verify the gear is in P position - automatic transmission cars must be in Park to start. I once spent half an hour stranded roadside before realizing the gear wasn't properly engaged. When all else fails, call for roadside assistance - forcing ignition attempts may damage your vehicle.
This is a common issue I often encounter during car repairs, mainly related to the vacuum booster. It's normal for the brake pedal to become stiff after you turn off the engine, but if it's so stiff that you can't press it and the car won't start, you should first check the battery voltage. If the battery is fine, the ignition switch might be stuck—try tapping the area under the steering wheel a couple of times. Another rare possibility is a faulty brake light switch, which is connected to the starting system. Also, in winter, check the starter connector; I've dealt with cars where freezing caused poor contact. For keyless start systems, pay attention to the sensing distance—try placing the key near the cup holder. It's best to have someone help press the brake pedal while you start the car, as it requires less effort, especially for female drivers with less strength.
