Brake pedal issues are very common among drivers, especially if you have an old car. Situations like this can be exhausting and frustrating at the same time. Several factors and conditions can make your pedal stiff and prevent your vehicle from starting. All these causes and everything you need to know about the situation will be explained in detail as we explore “My brake pedal is stiff and car won’t start”.
Why is my brake pedal stiff?
A stiff brake pedal is an indication that one component or the other is faulty and should be addressed immediately. Potential reasons that could give you brake pedal problems are explained below.
Having a bad starter
The starter motor is a fundamental component of your vehicle, and it can sometimes develop faults. The starter motor makes your engine run, and I found it can be a possible culprit for issues like this.
If you don’t have a functioning high-quality motor, you will encounter issues with starting your car and will need a tow.
Issues with the starter motor can be disastrous and can even leave you stranded in an improper place, but on the bright side, the starter motor gives signs beforehand. It already gives you indications that its time is near, and you should be aware that it’s faulty,
It will usually display signs of its inevitable end with weird noises like grinding or buzzing sound so pay attention!
Issues with the starter motor can make your brake pedal hard, and this is more common in old cars. If you have an old car and you discover your engine not revving up, and your braking system is acting weirder than usual, you should know it’s time for a check-up.
The electrical system of your automobile includes the starter, which is vulnerable to short circuits, and blown fuses.
It may overheat after you’ve been trying to start it repeatedly. Some people assume the vehicle just needs a little push and will work after a few more tries, but this increases the likelihood of electrical problems.
In some scenarios, this problem is accompanied by smoke. Once you’ve noticed this, you should contact a professional immediately rather than attempting other fixes.
Ignition switch malfunction
If you notice your brake pedals are stiff, it could be an indication that something is wrong with the ignition switch.
I found most people don’t think about the intricate sequence of events that take place when you start your car and go out every day.
Inserting the key into the ignition switch and starting the car now feels like a normal thing.
You should know that if your ignition switch develops issues, you will not be able to start your vehicle, and your brake system will be affected.
Ignition switch malfunctions can lead to frustrating issues like brake stiffness, unexpected shutdowns, and electrical trouble.
A broken ignition switch can be tricky to deal with, and it is a common cause of brake malfunctions. A weird clicking sound when you turn the ignition key is an obvious sign of problems like this.
It is common knowledge that mechanical items like key cylinders and mechanical keys that are used in your car’s ignition system eventually wear out. Every year, you can put and take out the ignition key thousands of times, wearing the tumblers and key slightly each insertion.
Brake vacuum leak
Brake vacuum leaks are usual causes of brake stiffing. They occur when there is an unforeseen drop in vacuum pressure within your vehicle system. This pressure promotes the correct operation of several control systems in an automobile.
A brake vacuum leak affects the power-generating ability of your engine. Reduced pressure leads to an unbalanced air-fuel ratio, ultimately leading to a compromised acceleration efficiency.
I found your car will feel slow, and it will take longer to attain high speeds in situations like this. Air in the hydraulic system can compromise the brakes of your car.
When there’s an excessive amount of air in the air-fuel ratio, the fuel consumption is compromised. The engine makes up for this by injecting more fuel to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio which increases the use of fuel.
Vacuum pressure is used by the brake booster to help the brake pedals operate. A leak caused by a leaky brake booster can interfere with brake effectiveness and result in inactive brake pedals, which could be disastrous.
A vacuum leak can occur from a poor fit or faulty connection between a vacuum hose and another part. This allows air to escape so it’s crucial to check if all connections are tight and safe.
Low brake fluid
The brake fluid is a vital part of any car, and stopping the car will be challenging without the brake fluid. Having insufficient fluid can be a cause if your brake pedal is stiff.
Pressure rises and starts pumping fluid into the brakes, compressing the brake pads against the rotating rotors connected to the wheel hubs as the wheel rotates.
If your pads are worn, the piston must move further apart from the housing and toward the brake pads. To go farther down, this needs additional brake fluid, which could eventually run out.
If you have low brake fluid, your brakes may feel spongy when you press the pedal. I found that this happens as a result of moisture buildup starting to boil in the braking system from the extreme heat produced during braking.
There is also more air in the brake lines as a result of this. The brake lights turning on is a clear indication that you need to check the fluid.
Old master cylinder
The master cylinder is another crucial component in your vehicle that can be a potential cause of your brake issue. If you have an old car, it means your master cylinder is most likely old too.
This component produces the hydraulic pressure that starts the car when the pedal is pressed so if it has issues, the car won’t start.
Neutral safety switch
The neutral safety switch is one of the great features in an automatic transmission vehicle that helps prevent mishaps. The neutral safety switch prevents you from starting when your vehicle is not in park.
If the switch has an issue, your brake will be stiff and your vehicle will not start. Several factors can be responsible for damaging the switch, including aging and moisture.
Bad battery or alternator
A dead battery is one of the most common issues I have experienced. Certain cars have brake boosters that use engine vacuum to make braking easier.
I found that if you have a dead battery or low battery voltage, it would not be able to provide the required energy and the car won’t start.
Your car’s alternator is powered by the chain or belt that regulates the engine’s combustion. The alternator ensures the battery is charged and powers all of the electric systems and functions.
If your alternator develops an issue, it won’t be capable of providing sufficient power to electrical accessories leading to slow operation.
If you observe that it takes longer than usual for your windows to roll or if other parts begin acting strangely when the car is operating, you most likely have a faulty alternator.
There are a lot of reasons that might cause your car’s battery to discharge, but prolonged discharge or exposure to excessive heat or cold can compromise the longevity of your battery.
Brake light switch issues
The brake light switch is a major component of your vehicle that sends a signal to the vehicle’s computer that the brakes are pressed. The switch is a vital component of a vehicle, so I find it very risky to drive a vehicle with a compromised brake light switch. In some cars, if the brake light switch is bad, you will have a stiff brake pedal and your car will not start.
Repairing my brake pedal
As discussed above, there are several issues that can lead to your car developing a stiff brake pedal. Being able to identify the particular cause of your brake issue is the first and most important part of approaching scenarios like this. You will need to diagnose various parts of your vehicle to know where the problem originates.
I recommend starting with the battery as this is the most common cause. Examine the battery terminal, make sure it is tightened, and check if the starter cable is connected appropriately. If this is not the problem, you can check if the brake fluid is sufficient.
Visually examine every vacuum line and connector and look for obvious damage indicators like cracks and loose fittings.
When you’re done examining all the basic parts of your vehicle and you still can’t point your finger at where the issue is, it means you’re vehicle has developed a more complex problem and needs professional attention.
If you’re not an experienced professional, I recommend leaving the vehicle and seeking the expertise of a seasoned mechanic or a car professional. They should be able to figure out what the issue is in no time.
The expenses of fixing a faulty pedal vary, and they depend on several factors like the severity or complexity of the issue and the make and model of your vehicle. If you’re dealing with a bad starter motor, you might spend around $150 to $330 (including workmanship.)
If you’re lucky and your vehicle’s problem is needing a new battery, you can get this done yourself. If you have little car experience, you can get a new battery without breaking the bank like other complicated scenarios. Getting a new battery should cost around $100 and $200.
If you’re dealing with a more complex scenario like a brake booster issue, you should expect a higher expense. Fixing brake booster issues might cost around $350 to $500 (including workmanship.)
Remember to tend to these issues as fast as you can to avoid complicating the issue with “The faster the better”. If you can’t easily diagnose what’s wrong with the vehicle, stop trying and leave it to a professional.
FAQ
Why is my brake pedal locked and car won’t start then?
If your car is not starting and you have a locked brake pedal, your car most likely has issues with the brake boosters and brake calipers or you have an exhausted brake vacuum.
Why is my car brake pedal hard to push to start?
Your brake pedal being hard to push can be a sign of several issues in my car. This includes seized brake calipers, faulty brake rotors, and a bad starter cable.
Why is my brake pedal so firm until the car is started?
There is a low engine vacuum pressure when the engine is idle. This is why your brake is firm until the vehicle is started.
How do you release a stiff brake pedal?
If you have a stiff brake pedal, you should check the brake calipers for any signs of damage and ensure your brake fluid is sufficient.
The bottom line
When you attempt to start your vehicle and your brake pedal is stiff, you immediately know that something is wrong somewhere. Having a stiff brake pedal ultimately leads to your car not starting. This can be due to several issues in your vehicle. By using this article as a guide, you can easily identify the potential cause of your predicament and know how to safely approach it.
