Jeep Renegade Won’t Start Brake Locked: Fix It Like A Pro!
It must be frustrating when you are about to have a beautiful journey with your jeep renegade but suddenly it won’t start now matter how much you try. Instead the brakes locked. But don’t worry there are some easy fixes that can help you out.
For instance, first try turning the ignition to “Run,” pressing the brake firmly, and holding the park brake switch to release the brake. If that does not work out it can be the battery or auxiliary battery issue, problem with the brake system, starter cable and so on that you need to address.
But how to diagnose and fix the issue? Here we are with a comprehensive guide that will help you to get it all about the matter. So, just read on.
Key Takeaways
- Follow simple steps like turning the ignition and pressing the brake to release a locked brake and start your Jeep Renegade.
- Ensure both the main and auxiliary batteries are charged and functioning to avoid starting and brake issues.
- Seek assistance from a mechanic for complex issues like faulty starter cables or brake vacuum problems to ensure proper vehicle operation.
Try This Out First To Fix The Problem!
Encountering a locked brake and an unresponsive start in your Jeep Renegade can be frustrating.
Luckily, there’s a quick fix you can try. Follow these steps to release the parking brake and get your Jeep running again.
- 1. Turn the Ignition to Run: First, turn the ignition key to the “Run” position. This powers up the vehicle’s systems and prepares it for starting.
- 2. Press Your Foot on the Brake Pedal: Next, firmly press down on the brake pedal. This ensures the brake system is engaged and ready to release the parking brake.
- 3. Press and Hold the Park Brake Switch: Locate the park brake switch. Press and hold it down for a few seconds. This action signals the system to disengage the parking brake.
- 4. Release the Switch When Fully Disengaged: Keep holding the switch until you feel or see the parking brake fully disengage. Once it’s released, let go of the switch.
- 5. Test Again: Try starting your Jeep Renegade again. With the parking brake disengaged, the vehicle should start as expected.
These steps often resolve the issue quickly. If the problem persists, further investigation or professional assistance might be necessary
Why The Jeep Renegade Won’t Start And Brake Locked? How To Fix It?
When your Jeep Renegade won’t start and the brake is locked, several factors could be at play. Here’s a detailed look at common causes and how to fix them.
1# Malfunctioning Battery And Auxiliary Battery
The issue of a Jeep Renegade not starting and the brake locking up could be attributed to battery problems.
Both the main battery and the auxiliary battery play crucial roles in the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Main Battery: If the main battery is weak or dead, it might not provide enough power to engage crucial systems, including the brake release mechanism. This can result in the brake staying locked, preventing the vehicle from starting.
- Auxiliary Battery: The auxiliary battery, responsible for powering various electronic components, could also be a factor. If it’s malfunctioning or depleted, critical systems such as the brake release mechanism might not receive the necessary power to function correctly, leading to the brake remaining locked.
How to fix:
Now, let’s move on to discussing the fixes for these battery-related issues. Ensure the main battery is charged and functioning properly.
If it’s weak or dead, recharge or replace it as needed. Similarly, examine the auxiliary battery for any issues.
Replace or recharge it if necessary to ensure proper power supply to electronic components.
2# Brake Issues
The brake issue causing the Jeep Renegade not to start and the brake to remain locked can stem from various factors related to the brake system. for instance-
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor Malfunction:
If the sensor that detects the position of the brake pedal malfunctions, it may not send the proper signal to the vehicle’s computer.
As a result, the computer may not recognize that the brake pedal is depressed, preventing the vehicle from starting and keeping the brake locked.
- Brake Fluid Leak or Low Brake Fluid Level:
A leak in the brake system or low brake fluid level can cause a loss of hydraulic pressure, leading to difficulty in disengaging the parking brake.
This can result in the brake remaining locked, preventing the vehicle from starting.
- Faulty Brake Calipers or Pistons:
Faulty brake calipers or pistons can cause the brakes to seize up, making it difficult to release the parking brake.
This can result in the brake remaining locked, impeding the vehicle’s ability to start.
How to fix:
To address the issue of the Jeep Renegade not starting and the brake remaining locked due to brake-related issues, follow these steps:
- Inspect the brake pedal position sensor for any signs of damage or malfunction. Replace if necessary to ensure accurate detection of the brake pedal position.
- Check the brake fluid level and look for any signs of leaks in the brake system. If the fluid is low or there are leaks, repair the leaks and refill the brake fluid to the appropriate level.
- Inspect the brake calipers and pistons for any signs of damage or seizing. Replace any faulty components and lubricate moving parts to ensure proper function.
- If equipped with an electronic parking brake, diagnose the system for any faults using diagnostic tools. Repair or replace malfunctioning components to ensure proper operation of the parking brake.
3# Faulty Starter Cable
A faulty starter cable in a Jeep Renegade can contribute to both the starting issue and the brake remaining locked.
If the starter cable is damaged, corroded, or loose, it may not deliver sufficient electrical current from the battery to the starter motor.
As a result, the engine may not crank, preventing the vehicle from starting.
Additionally, the starter cable’s malfunction can affect other electrical components, including the brake release mechanism.
Without proper power supply, the system responsible for disengaging the parking brake may fail to function correctly, causing the brake to remain locked even when attempting to start the vehicle.
How to fix:
To address the problem of a faulty starter cable causing the Jeep Renegade not to start follow these steps:
- Step 1: Begin by visually examining the starter cable for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness. Pay close attention to connections at both ends.
- Step 2: If the starter cable connections are loose, tighten them securely. Ensure a snug fit to maintain proper electrical contact. If there’s corrosion, clean the connections thoroughly or replace the cable if necessary.
- Step 3: If the starter cable is found to be faulty or damaged beyond repair, replace it with a new one. Ensure the replacement cable meets the manufacturer’s specifications for compatibility and performance.
4# Problem With The Ignition Switch
If the ignition switch is faulty or experiencing issues, it can prevent the vehicle from starting and cause the brake to remain locked.
This can occur due to various reasons, such as a worn-out ignition switch, electrical faults, or problems with the ignition system’s components.
A malfunctioning ignition switch can disrupt the normal operation of the vehicle’s electrical systems, including the brake release mechanism.
If the switch fails to send the proper signals to the brake system, it may result in the brake staying locked even when attempting to start the vehicle.
How to fix:
To address ignition switch problems causing the Jeep Renegade not to start and the brake to stay locked, consider the following steps:
- Inspect the ignition switch for visible signs of damage or wear.
- Test the ignition switch and associated components for proper functionality.
- Replace the ignition switch if necessary, following manufacturer recommendations and procedures.
- Ensure proper installation and calibration of the new ignition switch to ensure compatibility and functionality with the vehicle’s systems.
5# Brake Vacuum Issue
The brake vacuum system assists in the operation of the power brake booster, which amplifies the force applied to the brake pedal.
If there’s a leak or malfunction in this system, it can affect the brake’s ability to release and the vehicle’s starting process.
When the brake vacuum system fails, it may result in insufficient vacuum pressure to disengage the brake effectively.
This can cause the brake to remain locked even when attempting to start the vehicle.
How to fix:
To resolve this problem:
- Step 1: Check for leaks, damaged hoses, or faulty components in the brake vacuum system.
- Step 2: Repair any leaks or replace damaged hoses, vacuum lines, or components such as the brake booster or vacuum pump as necessary. If possible, follow the manual brake release procedure outlined earlier to release the parking brake manually while addressing the vacuum issue.
- Step 3: If you’re unsure about diagnosing or repairing the brake vacuum issue yourself, consider consulting a qualified mechanic or dealership for assistance. They can conduct thorough diagnostics and repairs to ensure the brake system operates correctly and the vehicle starts reliably.
FAQs
Now at this point of the discussion, let’s check out some queries that the owner mostly asked related to jeep renegade and its starting or brake issues. Check it out to know more.
How do you unlock the brakes on a Jeep Renegade?
To unlock the brakes on a Jeep Renegade, ensure the vehicle is in park, press the brake pedal firmly, and then try shifting out of park. If the issue persists, check the brake system and battery, or consult a mechanic.
How do you override the park brake on a Jeep Renegade?
To override the park brake on a Jeep Renegade, turn on the ignition, press the brake pedal, and simultaneously press and hold the electronic park brake switch. Release the switch once the brake disengages. Consult the manual if issues persist.
How do you unlock the steering wheel on a Jeep Renegade?
To unlock the steering wheel on a Jeep Renegade, insert the key into the ignition, and gently turn the key while simultaneously turning the steering wheel left and right. This should release the lock mechanism.
How do you manually release the parking brake on a Jeep Renegade?
To manually release the parking brake on a Jeep Renegade, turn on the ignition, press the brake pedal firmly, and then press the parking brake switch down while holding the brake pedal. If it fails, consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic.
Why won’t my Jeep parking brake turn off?
Your Jeep’s parking brake might not turn off due to low battery voltage, a malfunctioning brake switch, a stuck brake caliper, or an issue with the electronic parking brake system. Checking these components or consulting a mechanic is recommended.