Why Can't the Brake Be Depressed and the Car Won't Start?
2 Answers
Brake can't be depressed and the car won't start for the following reasons: Steering wheel lock: After inserting the key, turn it in the normal ignition direction, but not all the way. Gently turn it to the battery switch position. Once the car is powered on, gently move the steering wheel left and right. If the steering wheel can move, then depress the brake and start the car. Remember to straighten the steering wheel when parking in the future to avoid the same problem recurring. Low car battery power: In this case, after inserting the key, turn it to the battery switch position and observe whether the dashboard behind the steering wheel shows power. If unsure, turn on the headlights to confirm again. If the headlights don't light up, it confirms the battery is dead.
As someone who frequently works on my own car, I've experienced multiple instances where the brake pedal wouldn't depress and the car wouldn't start. This usually indicates a vacuum issue in the brake system, because the vacuum booster pump can't operate when the engine isn't running, making the brake pedal stiff. Meanwhile, engine starting failure could involve a dead battery or starter motor malfunction. For example, insufficient battery power will cause all electrical systems to fail, leaving no brake assist when pressing the pedal, and the car naturally won't move. The diagnostic approach is to first check if dashboard lights are on - if not, test battery voltage; if lights are on but there's only a clicking sound without startup, the starter might be faulty. I recommend keeping a multimeter to measure voltage - if below 12 volts, charging or replacement is needed. For safety, avoid forced starting attempts that could damage components; professional repair is more reliable. Regular maintenance of the battery and vacuum lines can prevent such issues.
