Why can't the Volkswagen brake be pressed down and the car won't start?
3 Answers
The reasons why the Volkswagen brake can't be pressed down and the car won't start are as follows: 1. The car steering wheel is locked: 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 press the brake and start the car. Remember to straighten the steering wheel when parking in the future to avoid the same problem recurring. 2. Low car battery power: In this case, after inserting the key, turn it to the battery switch position and observe whether the dashboard display behind the steering wheel is powered on. If you can't determine, turn on the headlights to confirm again. If the headlights don't light up, it confirms that the battery is dead.
As a veteran Volkswagen driver with fifteen years of experience, I often encounter such issues. The brake pedal becoming hard to press is mainly due to the loss of vacuum assist after the engine stalls, requiring greater force to depress it. Failure to start the engine is often related to brake signal recognition—Volkswagen's keyless start system must detect that the brake pedal is pressed to trigger the starting procedure. Last time I faced this issue in cold weather, I pressed the brake pedal firmly while simultaneously turning the key, and the car started. If multiple attempts fail, it’s likely due to a faulty brake switch or a weak battery—check if the brake lights illuminate. Don’t forget to ensure the gear is in P (Park), as the steering wheel lock can also affect starting; turning the steering wheel slightly while turning the key can unlock it.
I've seen many Volkswagen owners complain about this during car repairs. Pressing the brake pedal multiple times after turning off the engine can deplete the vacuum assist, making it hard to press. The key point is: Volkswagen automatic transmissions require pressing the brake to start the ignition. Here are two emergency tips: use all your strength to press the brake pedal fully while turning the key, or quickly press the brake pedal three times to wake up the system. If it still doesn't work, it's likely a battery issue. I remember a customer's car once broke down halfway due to a dashcam causing a power drain—similar situation. Of course, it could also be a stuck starter or a faulty gear position sensor, in which case you'll need to call for roadside assistance. Regularly checking the brake switch contacts during maintenance can prevent this hassle.
