Car Help Please! I have to push brake pedal Super hard to make the car start? What to do?
On a 91 Thunderbird I have to press the brake pedal ridiculously hard to make the car start. It’s gradually gotten worse over a few months and now it’s to the point where I can’t even do it, my husband has to. But when the car is running the brake works just fine, no problems at all, don’t have to push any extra harder or anything…it’s only when starting the car.
What could the problem be and can I fix it myself? Any suggestions, tips? Thanks.
September 16th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Sees like the switch on the brake pedal is loose or broken. Look under the dash and follow the brake pedal linkage. Somewhere along you should find a switch or a button. I think it has come loose.
September 16th, 2010 at 11:06 am
sounds like you have a bad brake booster,assuming the brake pads and shoes are good. bring it to a reputable repair shop to check it out for you they should not charge you to look at it.
September 16th, 2010 at 11:27 am
I agree with the other people on both their ideas except why are you pushing the brake to start the car? it should start without the brake. do you mean clutch?
September 16th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
I can guarantee that you’ll need to replace what’s called a “brake light switch”.
It’s a cheap, simple, and quick repair, and it’s a common problem with older Fords.
September 16th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Brake switch, i get a car towed into my shop every couple of weeks for this. the switch will run you around 15 bucks at a regular parts house for that vehicle.
September 16th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
duct tape
September 16th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
it is the “brake switch” is under the dash where the pedal is. runs like for 12 buks at autozone. but if you have cruise control it runs like for 30 buks. easy to do.
September 16th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
check to see if your brake lights work when you push the brake. if they require a strong force, then your brake switch might be out of adjustment. your car should start without the brake being pushed though. and if you did have a bad brake booster as suggested before, your brakes would be horrible when driving.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
how do you have to press the pedal to start the car ?? do you mean to turn over the engine ie cranking