What to Do When the Car Won't Start Due to Brake Failure?
2 Answers
Brake shoe failure, abnormal or irregular wear requires replacement of the brake pads. ABS system malfunction, abnormal wheel speed sensors or wiring; check if the battery is low on power and charge it promptly. Spark plug failure causing increased ignition gap, resulting in failure to start the car.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience driving various models, I once encountered a situation where brake failure prevented the car from starting. In automatic transmission vehicles, it's impossible to start the engine without pressing the brake pedal due to the built-in brake interlock system. If the switch under the brake pedal is faulty or sending incorrect signals, the car's computer may mistakenly think the brake isn't engaged and thus refuse to start. I would first check if the brake lights illuminate - if they don't or flicker, the issue likely lies with the switch or wiring. Next, I'd inspect the brake-related fuse in the fuse box to see if it's blown, replacing it if necessary (temporarily using a fuse from another circuit in emergencies). Low battery voltage can also cause system misjudgment, so attempting a jump start can help confirm this. It's best to drive to the nearest repair shop promptly to replace faulty components, avoiding nighttime breakdowns that disrupt travel plans. Long-term neglect may lead to other issues, so developing the habit of having technicians check the brake switch condition during every maintenance service is crucial - it can save you from many headaches.