2018 Nissan Sentra SR Brake stuck, wouldn't start

Asked by GuruD4C57F Jul 12, 2023 at 12:46 AM about the 2018 Nissan Sentra SR FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car has been fine for 4 years, got CPO had 5 k miles, now
77k. This evening I went to start the car, got someone nearby
with a battery pack and tester, they said it was good, but they
thought it wouldn't start due to a brake sensor. I called AAA for
a tow, and the contractor driver came and started to charge
the battery, he then managed to get the brake to unlock and
the car started. He also mentioned the battery is probably bad
and he said that I would have to hold the key fob right against
the pushbutton start until I get the battery replaced. I am
wondering what the actual problem is, the battery (possibly
alternator too )a brake sensor or switch, or something else?
Any advice or recommendations? I love this car and except for
some typical routine maintenance and the fact it doesn't like
going up hills it's been fine to me (knock on wood).

2 Answers

202,395

That likely indicates a failure of the vacuum system and is likely due to a vacuum leak or a failing booster. When you shut off the engine, the vacuum system retains negative pressure in reserve for future starts, so the peddle can be easily depressed with the engine not yet running and the fully depressed brake peddle can signal this to the computer and the car will be allowed to start. Without the peddle depressed, this signal isn't being sent and the engine cannot start..... All this could also be caused by a battery that's so bad that it can't provide enough juice to power this function.

155,245

Sounds like he's talking about the battery in the fob. On many vehicles the fob must be near the vehicle for the vehicle to start. If the battery in the fob is weak or dead it won't be transmitting and the computer will not allow the vehicle to be started. Hope that helps! Jim

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