Won’t start, brake pedal doesn’t move,, SOLUTION!

[Jay S]

My JT would not start by pushing the ignition button, it would start by pushing remote start on key fob. Took it to the dealer and they replaced both batteries. After a month or so the same thing happened again. Quite unintentionally I tapped the brake pedal THREE times, pushed the ignition button and it started!!!!! This occurs intermittently and I tap the brake pedal THREE times, not one time , not two times, THREE times and BINGO! I don’t know how or why, but it works, every time.

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[kevman65]

OCD JT

 

[Hootbro]

I am wondering if you are pressing the brakes firmly each time when starting?

The brake pedal actually has a travel length sensor and is not just a on/off switch signal. This is by design for the ESS system.

 

[Jay S]

I am wondering if you are pressing the brakes firmly each time when starting?

The brake pedal actually has a travel length sensor and is not just a on/off switch signal. This is by design for the ESS system.

I have the ESS programmed off with the Taser. When the JT won’t start, the brake pedal moves approx 1/4” just as if the fob was not in the truck And the door lock button is pushed.

 

[Hootbro]

I have the ESS programmed off with the Taser. When the JT won’t start, the brake pedal moves approx 1/4” just as if the fob was not in the truck And the door lock button is pushed.

When I hear about these weird electrical issues and once Taser is brought into the discussion, that is where I would say that needs to be looked into and ruled out.

 

[Jay S]

When I hear about these weird electrical issues and once Taser is brought into the discussion, that is where I would say that needs to be looked into and ruled out.

This happened before the Taser. I got the Taser Mini specifically to turn off the ESS thinking that was the cause. But, like I said, tap the brake pedal three times when the pedal does not depress normally and the truck starts.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

The brake pedal actually has a travel length sensor and is not just a on/off switch signal. This is by design for the ESS system.

I just noticed this today, as I pressed the brake and pushed the engine start but it would only turn on ACC. Tried again, but this time firmly pressing the brake and it fired right up.

 

[Hootbro]

This happened before the Taser. I got the Taser Mini specifically to turn off the ESS thinking that was the cause. But, like I said, tap the brake pedal three times when the pedal does not depress normally and the truck starts.

If you are sure it is not the tazer, then it is probably going to need some higher level diagnostics done with a scan tool that can monitor start signal and brake pedal sense PIDS and see what is going on there.

I am spitballing without more data but I would be keying in on that brake pedal travel sensor circuit given the conditions you mention of taping the brakes like you do to make it work.

 

[Jay S]

If you are sure it is not the tazer, then it is probably going to need some higher level diagnostics done with a scan tool that can monitor start signal and brake pedal sense PIDS and see what is going on there.

I am spitballing without more data but I would be keying in on that brake pedal travel sensor circuit given the conditions you mention of taping the brakes like you do to make it work.

I go in Monday for maintenance and will ask about this. I’ll let you know what they say.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I have the ESS programmed off with the Taser.

Having the ESS "off" isn't going to change the brake pedal sensor/switch operation. It's not an on/off switch and he was saying you may not be pressing hard enough if the vacuum has leaked out of the booster.

When the JT won’t start, the brake pedal moves approx 1/4” just as if the fob was not in the truck And the door lock button is pushed.

Brake pedal movement has nothing to do with FOB being there or not. The brake pedal won't change with the door locked or not.
1/4" isn't a lot and it may not sense the "push" as being firm enough.
If vacuum has leaked out for any reason, it may need a harder push.

ESS has nothing to do with this or how the switch operates when starting, it was merely being said that the switch is a rheostat more than a switch because it's pressure sensitive.

 

[Jay S]

Having the ESS "off" isn't going to change the brake pedal sensor/switch operation. It's not an on/off switch and he was saying you may not be pressing hard enough if the vacuum has leaked out of the booster.


Brake pedal movement has nothing to do with FOB being there or not. The brake pedal won't change with the door locked or not.
1/4" isn't a lot and it may not sense the "push" as being firm enough.
If vacuum has leaked out for any reason, it may need a harder push.

ESS has nothing to do with this or how the switch operates when starting, it was merely being said that the switch is a rheostat more than a switch because it's pressure sensitive.

I would really need to muscle down the brake pedal to make it move further when this occurs, but I’ll give it a try. There is nothing consistent about when it happens I.E. hot or cold weather,, however it is more likely to occur if I don’t start it for a few days.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

however it is more likely to occur if I don’t start it for a few days.

Nothing CERTAIN, but that does point to the possibility of the vacuum being gone making it a real hard pedal (leaked out, check valve issue?) and if that's correct, you need to push harder or even a couple of times.
One thing to try - push the button once and let go - foot NOT on the pedal at all.
Does it go into "acc" mode?
Push button, let off, push again (foot OFF the brake) does it go into "run" mode without starting?

 

[Jay S]

Nothing CERTAIN, but that does point to the possibility of the vacuum being gone making it a real hard pedal (leaked out, check valve issue?) and if that's correct, you need to push harder or even a couple of times.
One thing to try - push the button once and let go - foot NOT on the pedal at all.
Does it go into "acc" mode?
Push button, let off, push again (foot OFF the brake) does it go into "run" mode without starting?

I’ll let you know tomorrow.

 

[Badunit]

Brake pedal doesn't move = need to press really hard to start. Mine did this a few times for no apparent reason. It seems to have fixed itself. Fingers crossed.

 

[Misslman]

I have a 2021 Willys and if I don't drive it for a few days the brake pedal is hard and requires stronger push to start the jeep... once started vacuum is back and restarts are normal. You did mention usually happens after a few days of non use. I wouldn't waste time with dealer, just press harder on pedal.

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