All the systems used to build modern cars are interconnected, causing problems all along the line when one part breaks down. Oftentimes, this can prove rather confusing, like when the Honda Civic brake problem prevents the engine from starting up.
What is the Honda Civic brake system problem where the car won’t start?
The Honda Civic has a strange tendency to display tons of error messages while failing to start. One of these notices cites a problem with the brake system, though the cause is most likely a dead battery.
Across all model years, this issue is most likely to affect the 2016 Honda Civic. You can use this guide to learn all you need to know about this problem and its most likely fix.
The Link Between the Brakes and Starting System
Like most push-to-start systems, you have to press the brake pedal down in the Honda Civic to start it up. If you’re not pushing on the brake as you press the button, the car will only go into accessory mode.
This safety mechanism ensures that you’re ready to pilot the vehicle when you start it up, but it can prove problematic if any parts start to fail. If the switch for the brake pedal starts to go out, for example, then it will not tell the car that you’re pressing the brakes.
When that happens, the car will refuse to start, leaving you wondering what’s gone wrong. More often than not, the startup issues link back to a dead battery, which causes the system to send an array of error messages your way. These errors could leave you thinking the problem’s caused by a bad brake switch when it’s not.
What is the Honda Civic Brake System Problem That Affects Startup?
If the problem links back to a dead battery, as is common, your gauge cluster will display all the error messages shown in the video above. If that’s the case, then all your car needs is a new battery to start up and run like new again.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. Sometimes it’s the fuse box acting up. Other times it might be the switch for the brakes. In fact, if your brake pedal feels stiff or is hard to push down, then the switch is likely broken.
You can have the car diagnosed at the dealership to see which of these problems it might be. They will start by checking the battery to see if it needs replacement. If it seems okay, they may put in a test battery to confirm before moving onto the next steps.
After that, they just have to follow the diagnostic steps for each suspected system to narrow down the causes and find the culprit. Once that’s done, it’s as easy as replacing the offending part to get your Civic starting up again.
Is it Time to Buy a Honda Civic? Check it Out with Vehicle History
If you’re looking at buying a Honda Civic in the near future, gear up for a slew of test drives and inspections. In addition to those important steps, you’ll also want to partner up with Vehicle History as you examine each car for sale.
You’ll just need the VIN or license plate number of your top choices to use this system to find out about problems in their past. With an idea of what accidents, title issues, and other problems they’ve experienced, you can choose the best car for you.
