Honda Civic Brake System Problem: Car Won’t Start

If your Honda Civic won’t start, it could be due to a problem with the brake system. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Faulty Brake Switch

The brake switch is a small electrical switch that is located under the brake pedal. When you press the brake pedal, the switch sends a signal to the engine control module (ECM), which then turns on the brake lights and disengages the cruise control. A faulty brake switch can prevent the ECM from receiving the signal that the brake pedal is being pressed, which can cause the car to not start.

2. Faulty Brake Light Bulbs

If one or both of the brake light bulbs are burned out, it can cause the brake switch to malfunction. This is because the brake switch relies on the brake light bulbs to complete the electrical circuit. Without working brake light bulbs, the switch will not be able to send a signal to the ECM, which can cause the car to not start.

3. Faulty Brake Pedal Position Sensor

The brake pedal position sensor is a small electronic sensor that is located near the brake pedal. The sensor measures the position of the brake pedal and sends a signal to the ECM. The ECM uses this information to determine how much braking force to apply. A faulty brake pedal position sensor can send an incorrect signal to the ECM, which can cause the car to not start.

4. Faulty ECM

The ECM is a small computer that controls the engine and other vehicle systems. If the ECM is faulty, it may not be able to receive the signal from the brake switch, brake light bulbs, or brake pedal position sensor. This can cause the car to not start.

How to Fix a Honda Civic Brake System Problem

If you think that your Honda Civic’s brake system is causing the car to not start, there are a few things that you can do to fix the problem:

1. Check the brake switch. The brake switch is located under the brake pedal. To check the switch, you will need to remove the two bolts that hold it in place and then pull it out of the bracket. Once the switch is out, you can check for continuity between the two terminals. If there is no continuity, the switch is faulty and will need to be replaced.
2. Check the brake light bulbs. To check the brake light bulbs, you will need to turn on the headlights and then press the brake pedal. If one or both of the brake lights are not working, the bulbs will need to be replaced.
3. Check the brake pedal position sensor. The brake pedal position sensor is located near the brake pedal. To check the sensor, you will need to remove the two bolts that hold it in place and then pull it out of the bracket. Once the sensor is out, you can check for continuity between the three terminals. If there is no continuity between any of the terminals, the sensor is faulty and will need to be replaced.
4. Check the ECM. If you have checked the brake switch, brake light bulbs, and brake pedal position sensor and they are all working properly, then the problem may be with the ECM. To check the ECM, you will need to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.

Conclusion

If your Honda Civic won’t start, it could be due to a problem with the brake system. By following the steps above, you can diagnose and fix the problem so that you can get your car back on the road.