Acura ILX Check Brake System Car Won’t Start
Causes
There are several possible causes for the “check brake system” warning light to illuminate and the car to not start on an Acura ILX. These include:
- Low brake fluid level
- Faulty brake switch
- Malfunctioning brake booster
- Electrical problems
Diagnosis
To diagnose the problem, you will need to perform a few simple tests. First, check the brake fluid level. The reservoir is located under the hood, and the fluid level should be between the “min” and “max” marks. If the fluid level is low, add brake fluid until it reaches the correct level.
Next, check the brake switch. The switch is located on the brake pedal, and it is responsible for sending a signal to the car’s computer when the pedal is depressed. To test the switch, disconnect the electrical connector and then use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, the switch is faulty and will need to be replaced.
If the brake fluid level and brake switch are both functioning properly, the problem may be with the brake booster. The booster is responsible for amplifying the force applied to the brake pedal. To test the booster, start the car and then pump the brake pedal several times. If the pedal feels spongy or if the car does not stop when the pedal is depressed, the booster may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
If the brake fluid level, brake switch, and brake booster are all functioning properly, the problem may be with the electrical system. To diagnose electrical problems, you will need to use a multimeter to check for voltage and continuity at various points in the circuit. If you are not comfortable working with electrical systems, it is best to take the car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Repair
The repair for the “check brake system” warning light and the car not starting will depend on the underlying cause. If the problem is with the brake fluid level, simply adding brake fluid will solve the problem. If the problem is with the brake switch, the switch will need to be replaced. If the problem is with the brake booster, the booster will need to be replaced. If the problem is with the electrical system, the wiring will need to be repaired or replaced.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent the “check brake system” warning light from illuminating and the car from not starting. These include:
- Check the brake fluid level regularly and add fluid as needed.
- Have the brake switch inspected and replaced if necessary.
- Have the brake booster inspected and replaced if necessary.
- Avoid driving in harsh conditions that can damage the electrical system.
Conclusion
If the “check brake system” warning light illuminates and the car does not start, there are a few possible causes. The problem may be with the brake fluid level, brake switch, brake booster, or electrical system. To diagnose the problem, you will need to perform a few simple tests. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you can then repair it and prevent it from happening again in the future.
