Stiff brake pedals? Keep reading the article to find out the solution.
If your car is somewhat unorganized you can compromise it for some time, but having stiffness in brake pedals that are not functioning the right way is not something that you can compromise on. If you do, it’s a certain way to any potential or fatal damage.
So if you are facing the stiffness in the brake pedal and the car won’t start it can be due to air in the hydraulic system, a leak in the hydraulic system. It can also be the reason that lots of dirt accumulates in the car pedal that is preventing its smooth performance when you apply pressure on the brake.
On the other hand, if the car is having issues with starting, it can be because of poor battery, starter motor fault, fuel pump issue or simply problems with the ignition switch.
Why are my car brakes stiff and not starting?
It’s not unusual to have stiffness in car brakes. Over time, especially when you don’t keep a check on its cleanliness and maintenance the brakes temporarily become stiff. However, there are solutions to that so you don’t have to panic.
5 Common Reasons Why Your Car Is Not Starting and Brake Paddles Are Stiff
Let’s now see in detail what the reasons for car not starting and rigidness in car brake pedals.
1. Starter motor is faulty
If your car is not clicking and failing for a proper start along with hardness in brake pedals, the starter motor can be faulty. If there is interruption in the starter cable from the battery the brake pedals will lock and you will notice stiffness. You will possibly hear the loud and clicking sound each time you start the ignition key.
2. Worn out brake vacuum
If the brake vacuum is consumed or leaked, it will lead to the poor car brake paddle performance and starting issues. If your vehicle is turned off, you will see the stiffness in the brake.
This is because the vacuum is only generated while the engine is working. For the best solution, get the mechanic on-board to test the brake booster and check the vacuum leakage.
3. The blown fuses in car
Blown or missing fuses simply indicate failure in car start. To address the problem check the fuse box, there shouldn’t be any missing fuse. Also check the connection between the two terminals of each fuse. The blown fuse means broken connection and the broken connection will not aid to start the car.
4. Problem in ignition switch
It’s very obvious the poor ignition switching or fault in it will prevent the vehicle from starting. Likewise the problem in brake pedals can be due to damage or fault in the ignition switch in the car.
So if your car is older, a poor ignition switch is obvious. Moreover, if the dashboard has flickering lights it’s another sign of fault in the ignition switch. If you notice slow engine cranking, and broken brake lights it’s about time to replace the ignition switch.
5. Neutral safety switch
There is a neutral safety switch in the car which looks like a cigarette lighter. You can see it by the shift mechanism. If this switch is not working properly the car will not start. So replace it right away if it’s not working.
Other things to check for stiff brake pedal and car not starting
- Check car immobilizer fob
- Check the battery
- Check if the steering wheel lock is disengaged
- Check if petrol/gasoline tank if top up
- Check if there is automatic transmission in park
- Check if brakes have any hindrance underneath
- Insufficient vacuum pressure
- Check for the cracks in vacuum hose
- Seized brake calipers
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