Why Can't the Brake Pedal Be Depressed and the Vehicle Fails to Start?
2 Answers
Brake pedal can't be depressed and the vehicle fails to start, the possible reasons may be the disappearance of vacuum in the brake booster pump or air leakage or component failure in the vehicle's brake booster pump. Below are the detailed explanations of the specific causes: Disappearance of vacuum in the brake booster pump: Because the owner stepped on the brake several times after parking, the vacuum in the brake booster pump disappeared, making it difficult to depress the brake pedal without assistance. The booster pump does not work when the engine is off, so the owner can try to start the engine again, press the brake pedal firmly, and it will return to normal after starting. Air leakage in the vehicle's brake booster pump: Due to air leakage or component failure in the vehicle's brake booster pump, the owner will feel very strenuous when stepping on the brake because the booster pump function is lost. If the owner still cannot restore normal operation after stepping on the brake several times, they should go to a nearby repair shop for inspection and continue driving only after the problem is resolved.
The brake pedal won't depress and the car won't start – I've experienced this myself, and it's quite concerning. Typically, there's a vacuum booster pump in the braking system that relies on engine vacuum to provide assistance, making the pedal feel light to press. If the booster pump fails or the vacuum hose ruptures, the assistance is lost, and the pedal becomes as hard as a rock and won't budge. At this point, due to safety design, the vehicle requires you to press the brake to start the ignition, but it misinterprets that you haven't pressed it and refuses to start. Electrical issues can also cause trouble—for example, if the brake switch is faulty or there's a short circuit in the wiring, the system won't detect the signal and won't allow startup. Some mechanical failures, like a foreign object stuck in the pedal or rust, can also prevent movement. I recommend first checking the vacuum booster components to see if there's a leak in the hose or if the pump is making noise. Address this issue promptly; otherwise, being stranded on the road is a hassle. It's best to tow it to a repair shop for inspection rather than trying to fix it yourself, as it might worsen the situation.