Cold start problem
02-12-2007, 10:50 AM
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The description says it all - It takes 3 times to mash brake pedal to get the key turn to start the car after the car has not been used for several days. I am in N. Florida, the car is garaged, and the temperature rarely goes below 45F at night.
I have noticed this happening 3 times now. When you try to press the brake pedal to start the car, the brake pedal is hard to the touch. You have to pump it to get it to start with the key turn.
Has anyone else had this problem?
I have noticed this happening 3 times now. When you try to press the brake pedal to start the car, the brake pedal is hard to the touch. You have to pump it to get it to start with the key turn.
Has anyone else had this problem?
02-12-2007, 11:19 AM
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The brake pedal needs to be depressed to start the car. Essentially, the brake pedal activates a switch which allows the starter to get power. I am guessing that either you dont press the brake pedal hard enough to activate the switch in order to start the car. As you said, depressing the brake pedal a few times it allows it to travel more and activate the switch.
Have you tried to press the brake pedal really hard and try to start the car? I suspect it will start first time.
All in all, if you take the car to the dealer they can adjust the brake pedal travel so the problem will go away.
Have you tried to press the brake pedal really hard and try to start the car? I suspect it will start first time.
All in all, if you take the car to the dealer they can adjust the brake pedal travel so the problem will go away.
02-12-2007, 12:17 PM
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It's just strange behavior. I have had this car for almost 3 years and never experienced this 'problem'. On all occasions, the brake pedal is usually soft enough to press at a cold start up. As I posted, the brake pedal is now very stiff when cold, to the point where it is virtually unpressable (except after a few pumps that seem to wake it up).
02-12-2007, 12:24 PM
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The change in the stiffnes in the pedal indicates that there is no pressure at all in the system. Probably caused by either a leak in the system or failure of the one way valve. Seems like a trip to the dealer.
02-12-2007, 12:50 PM
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My Ride: '04 530I, '98 328I & '94 Civic DX(5spd)
It should be the other way around, the first time you press the brake pedal should be soft and becomes stiffer as you keep on pressing the pedal. Not stiff at first and becomes soft after couple of presses. There might be a problem with your "hydrovac "(not sure with the name)
02-12-2007, 05:30 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525Xi Build: Sep 2005 Del: May 2006
Ti Silver | Black | Premium Pkg. | Cold Weath. | Step | Xenon Adapt.
My brake pedal is firm after an overnight stay in the garage, but so long as I am depressing(not pumping or stomping) all is well and I can start the car. Sounds like yours needs to be checked.
On a related note, one of the things I am less than crazy about in the e60 is the somewhat mushy brake pedal. The brakes themselves are fine, but I got used to my Audi's firmer pedal resistance. I think it's easier to modulate the brakes with a firmer pedal travel.
On a related note, one of the things I am less than crazy about in the e60 is the somewhat mushy brake pedal. The brakes themselves are fine, but I got used to my Audi's firmer pedal resistance. I think it's easier to modulate the brakes with a firmer pedal travel.
02-12-2007, 09:29 PM
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My Ride: In a place where the Mercedes density is the highest in the world (no. of MB per square kilometer) I choose a Bimmer, why? because of one thing "The Ultimate Driving Experience"
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523i Steptronic, Silver Grey Exterior, Black Interior with Black Dakota Leather and Maple Wood Trim. Chrome Grill, Style 123 rim, Airbags everywhere, PDC, Rain sensor, Auto lights, Moveable front armrest, Advance Climate Control, Glass Sunroof, Auto dimming interior and exterior mirror with foldable functions, Extended Lights package, 6 CD changer in glove box, Power seats with memory, Power adjustable steering wheel, Power rear sunblinds.
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My brake gets hard after sitting overnight in the garage. But you don't need to depress the brake all the way in order to start the car, I found that as long as the brakes are depressed so that the brake lights comes on you can start the car. Don't know about any leaks but the dealer say nothing is wrong with the brake system the last time I checked.
02-13-2007, 01:43 AM
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Originally Posted by POGI' post='390738' date='Feb 12 2007, 09:50 PM
It should be the other way around, the first time you press the brake pedal should be soft and becomes stiffer
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