Chrysler Pacifica Won't Start and I Can't Press Brakes - What's Wrong?

Having a good car that won't start is frustrating enough. A stiff brake pedal makes the problem worse. Your Chrysler Pacifica may fail to start and have stiff brakes because of a dead battery, an exhausted brake vacuum, a faulty ignition switch, a bad starter, and a bad alternator. This guide will teach you how to diagnose, fix, and prevent these issues with or without a mechanic.

No-start and stiff brake problem highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• Can you drive?Obviously, no
• DIY inspection:Possible
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Price for repair:$350 - $800
• Common Reasons:Engine won't start, vacuum won't build up
• Ways to fix:Solve the no-start issue, thebrake pedal will be solved automatically

Reasons Why Your Chrysler Won't Start and You Can't Press Brakes

Your Chrysler Pacifica won't start with a depleted vacuum reservoir, a low or damaged battery, a faulty starter, and a bad ignition switch. The brake pedals harden because of the multiple attempts to start the car. Let us look at each potential cause at a time and its proper solution.

1. Depleted Brake Vacuum

The problem with the brake vacuum applies to modern Chrysler Pacifica models. The new releases have a power assist that uses power from the vacuum reservoir. The reservoir loses vacuum whenever you press the brake pedals without running the engine.

A running engine refills the vacuum reservoir. However, the reserve vacuum is depleted if you keep pressing and testing the brakes. The brake pedal becomes hard to depress.

The problem may occur because you cannot start the engine for other reasons, as discussed later in this article. However, sometimes the exhausted brake vacuum is the only issue you must resolve.

How to Fix a Depleted Brake Vacuum

You have just learned that pressing the brakes when the engine is off may cause starting problems. Avoid pressing the brake pedal unless you are ready to start the car.

If the brake pedal is stiff, leave it for a few minutes before starting your car. The power assist kicks in, and the running engine refills the vacuum reservoir. You may not experience similar issues if the exhausted brake vacuum is the only problem.

2. A Dead Battery

You cannot start your Chrysler if the battery is dead. You need to jumpstart it with a charger or cables. Jumpstarting the car will get you going, but you must further diagnose the problem.

Your car battery may need more charge, especially if you have experienced multiple battery issues. Ask your mechanic or a car shop nearby to check the battery's health. You may need a new battery to prevent starting problems.

You may encounter a brakes problem because of your frustration with starting a car with a low battery. You could have pressed the brakes severally before realizing the battery was dead. Consequently, the brake pedal may be stiff.

When you discover that the battery is dead, allow the brakes to rest for a few minutes and then jump the start. The pedal will be functional when the engine starts running.

How to Prevent a Dead Car Battery

Waking up to a dead car battery is annoying. Once you replace a worn-out or damaged battery, you must do the following to keep it charged.

• Drive for At Least 30 Minutes per Week

Your car uses a large amount of charge to start the engine. However, the alternator recharges the battery as you drive. The battery loses all the charge if it remains idle for a long time.

Driving your car for at least 30 minutes allows the alternator to charge the battery fully before you park. Avoid short trips because your battery will only charge partially.

• Disconnect Some Electronics

Modern car models have many accessories that drain the battery when the car engine is off. For instance, the computer and alarm systems can drain the battery. You may also forget to switch off the lights.

You can disable all electrical systems, including the security system if you plan to park the car for a long time.

• Disconnect the Negative Terminal or Battery

Disconnecting the negative cable can prevent the battery from running out of charge. However, the disconnection resets some functions, such as the clock settings and audio presets. It is only advisable when you do not intend to drive the Chrysler for several weeks.

The negative terminal has a minus sign and a black cap. Wear protective gear for your hands and eyes before disconnecting the terminal. In addition, you need a socket wrench to pull off the terminal and store it away from the battery.

Removing the battery is an alternative solution when parking a car for a long time. Store it in a battery box away from direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated room. The battery will still drain when disconnected, but the process is slower.

Keep testing the battery level with a voltmeter and recharging until you resume driving your vehicle.

• Buy a Battery Maintainer and Charger

A battery maintainer automatically shuts the battery off when it is fully charged. It charges it when the charge falls below the optimal level. The maintainer ensures you will never run out of charge or overcharge the battery.

A portable charger is essential for situations when your battery dies unexpectedly. You may forget to disconnect an electronic or park the car longer than planned. You can also use the charger to keep the battery charged when disconnecting it.

Ensure you buy the right maintainer and charger for your car battery to prolong its service life.

3. A Bad Alternator

Check the alternator if you replace the car battery and take care of it, but it still runs out of charge. A faulty alternator does not recharge the battery after starting the car, causing the battery to go flat constantly.

You will keep jumpstarting your car until you replace the alternator. You can buy and install an alternator. However, a mechanic's help is advisable because the alternator connects to the battery and engine.

4. A Faulty Ignition Switch

Your Chrysler Pacifica may fail to start if the ignition switch is damaged. The challenge is common in old cars. An engine that fails to start is one of the major signs of a damaged ignition switch.

The engine may start but suddenly stall while driving. Other signs that your ignition switch is faulty include a silent starter motor, flickering lights, and problems powering accessories. You will also have problems turning and removing the ignition key.

What to Do When the Ignition Switch Is Damaged

The issue with the ignition switch is easy to fix. If you can turn on the vehicle, your next stop should be at the auto shop or mechanic. A new ignition switch is cheap, and the repair costs are low.

If the car doesn't start, you can replace the ignition switch with a car manual or ask a mechanic to install it for you. A mechanic's help is recommended if the ignition key breaks or sticks to the ignition switch.

5. A Faulty Starter Cable or Motor

The battery powers the starter motor, which enables the engine to start and run. The starter cable or relay connects the starter motor to the battery. Your Chrysler will fail to start if the motor or relay is broken.

The brake pedal becomes stiff when the starter cable is disconnected from the car battery terminal. In addition, the car will make loud clicking sounds if the starter motor is damaged or dead. Sometimes the motor dies without any noticeable sounds.

Another sign of a bad starter is that the dashboard lights turn on when you try to start the car, but the engine fails to power up. Jumpstarting your car may also fail if the starter is faulty.

Troubleshooting Starter Problems

If you notice any sign of a bad starter motor or cable, open the hood and inspect the cables for damage. Check for any breaks on the connecting cables, loose connections, and corrosion. You can wipe corrosion at the terminals, but damaged cables must be replaced.

If the cables are perfect, try tapping on the starter gently. The tap solves any loose connection before a mechanic can diagnose and fix the starter. Your mechanic may recommend a new starter motor if the damages are severe.

Another solution is to change the transmission. If your car won't start in park, shift the transmission to neutral and then try starting it. Mechanical issues like a broken neutral safety switch may cause starting problems

6. Cold Weather

Many drivers experience starting problems in cold weather. The cold temperature may cause fluids in your car to thicken, including the transmission fluid, engine oil, and antifreeze.

The battery will require more power to pump the thickened fluids. The strain prevents the battery from performing optimally, leading to starting issues. In addition, cold batteries produce less power than warm batteries.

Prepare your car for cold seasons by checking the engine oil level and battery performance. You can also heat the garage or install an engine block heater to warm the coolant and oil.

Conclusion

Starting problems always come unannounced and when you are in a hurry. Luckily, most issues that lead to starting problems are easy to fix and avoidable. Allow the vehicle to rest for a few minutes before attempting to start if you have depleted the vacuum assist with multiple presses.

Jumpstarting or charging a dead battery will solve power problems. However, you must replace faulty parts, including the alternator, ignition switch, starter cable, and motor. A mechanic will help you replace these parts and test the battery for optimal performance.