Can the Brake System Cause the Car Not to Start?

In most cases, the brake system will not cause a car not to start. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

1. Brake Pedal Position Sensor

The brake pedal position sensor is a switch that tells the car’s computer when the brake pedal is pressed. If this switch is faulty, it can send a false signal to the computer, which can cause the car to start in neutral or park instead of drive.

2. Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch is another switch that is located near the brake pedal. This switch turns on the brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed. If this switch is faulty, it can also send a false signal to the computer, which can cause the car to start in neutral or park instead of drive.

3. Brake Booster

The brake booster is a vacuum-powered device that helps to amplify the force applied to the brake pedal. If the brake booster is faulty, it can cause the brake pedal to feel spongy or difficult to press. This can make it difficult to start the car, as the computer may not be able to detect that the brake pedal is being pressed.

4. Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is the main component of the brake system. It stores brake fluid and sends it to the brake calipers when the brake pedal is pressed. If the master cylinder is faulty, it can cause the brake pedal to feel spongy or difficult to press. This can make it difficult to start the car, as the computer may not be able to detect that the brake pedal is being pressed.

5. Brake Calipers

The brake calipers are located at each wheel and contain the brake pads. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid is sent to the brake calipers, which squeeze the brake pads against the rotors to slow or stop the car. If the brake calipers are faulty, they may not be able to apply enough force to the brake pads, which can make it difficult to start the car.

6. Brake Rotors

The brake rotors are the discs that the brake pads press against to slow or stop the car. If the brake rotors are warped or damaged, they can cause the brake pads to slip, which can make it difficult to start the car.

7. Brake Lines

The brake lines are the tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. If the brake lines are damaged, they can leak brake fluid, which can cause the brake pedal to feel spongy or difficult to press. This can make it difficult to start the car, as the computer may not be able to detect that the brake pedal is being pressed.

Conclusion

In most cases, the brake system will not cause a car not to start. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are experiencing problems starting your car, it is important to have the brake system inspected by a qualified mechanic.