Honda Civic: Check Brake System Car Won’t Start

Introduction

The Honda Civic is a popular and reliable car, but it is not immune to problems. One common issue that can occur is that the car may not start and the “Check Brake System” light may be on. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually relatively easy to fix.

Causes

There are several possible causes for the “Check Brake System” light to come on and the car to not start. These include:

* **Low brake fluid:** This is the most common cause of the “Check Brake System” light coming on. If the brake fluid is low, it will not be able to properly activate the brakes, which can prevent the car from starting.
* **Faulty brake switch:** The brake switch is a small switch that is located on the brake pedal. When you press the brake pedal, the switch sends a signal to the car’s computer, which then activates the brakes. If the brake switch is faulty, it may not send the signal to the computer, which can prevent the car from starting.
* **Electrical problems:** Electrical problems can also cause the “Check Brake System” light to come on and the car to not start. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a loose wire or a blown fuse.

Diagnosis

If your Honda Civic is not starting and the “Check Brake System” light is on, you will need to diagnose the problem before you can fix it. You can do this by:

* **Checking the brake fluid:** The first step is to check the brake fluid. If the brake fluid is low, you will need to add more brake fluid. You can find the brake fluid reservoir under the hood of the car.
* **Testing the brake switch:** To test the brake switch, you will need to press the brake pedal and listen for a clicking sound. If you do not hear a clicking sound, the brake switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
* **Inspecting the electrical system:** If the brake fluid and brake switch are both functioning properly, you will need to inspect the electrical system. You can do this by looking for loose wires or blown fuses.

Repair

Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can repair it. Here are the steps for repairing the most common causes of the “Check Brake System” light coming on and the car not starting:

* **Adding brake fluid:** If the brake fluid is low, you will need to add more brake fluid. You can find the brake fluid reservoir under the hood of the car.
* **Replacing the brake switch:** If the brake switch is faulty, you will need to replace it. You can find the brake switch on the brake pedal.
* **Fixing the electrical problems:** If the electrical system is causing the problem, you will need to fix the loose wires or blown fuses.

Conclusion

If your Honda Civic is not starting and the “Check Brake System” light is on, it is important to diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible. By following the steps in this guide, you can get your car back up and running in no time.