Brakes lock up during driving, if the car is stopped fast

ANSWER : Hi – first thing to check is for proper transmission fluid level. If fluid level is correct, this may be a transmission failure (forward clutches). I would recommend a transmission inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hello. If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, then it should not lock up like this. This will only occur if there is a sensor problem with the vehicle. I would start by installing a scan tool that can read the brake module information. Once this is installed, then I monitor the wheel speeds to see if they are correct. If they are, then it may have an issue with the yaw sensor. If you are not sure about the ABS, then you can turn on the key and see if there is an ABS light. If there is not, then the vehicle does not have ABS. If you want to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your brake system and make a diagnosis.

ANSWER : It sounds like the traction control system and the ABS system may have been activated as a result of the bumpy road you were driving on. Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car’s ECU. When the ECU senses an abnormal speed given specific conditions, it engages the ABS or traction control as needed to control the vehicle properly and safely. Occasionally, these sensors can fail or become faulty working intermittently sending inaccurate signals to the ECU. When this happens, you may experience the symptoms you have described. The ABS or traction control system may be inadvertently activated by these false or inaccurate signals. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose your ABS and traction control system.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to try to help. It is hard to definitively diagnose what the issue is. At first it seems like a transmission issue. Automatic transmissions are rather complicated and can do strange things when they malfunction. If not an issue with the transmission, you could also have a clutch issue. Always start by checking the simple components first. Check your transmission fluid level. Make sure your transmission filter is clean and debris free. When you have the transmission pan off, you can look and see if there are any metal shavings at the bottom. There is often a small magnet at the bottom of the pan designed to gather any metal shavings for a quick diagnosis. This is a sign of more serious transmission problems. Unless you have experience with automatic transmissions, it is not recommended that major repairs be done at home. I suggest taking your car to a transmission specialist for help.

ANSWER : Hi – first task is to read any problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is on or not. Most auto parts stores will do this for you for free on a "time-available" basis. Any codes extracted are useful for diagnostic purposes. Based on your symptoms, the throttle position sensor is a leading failure possibility. A malfunctioning idle air controller could also cause the unpredictable idling issues, but not a shut-off while driving. I recommend a car stalling inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

ANSWER : Hi there. It’s possible that you have a failing brake master cylinder or brake caliper that is causing the brake issues you’re experiencing. In some cases, when a master cylinder is leaking, you’ll get that smell you are noticing; however it can be something entirely different – ranging from a damaged ABS sensor or a brake module. Due to the multiple possible causes of these issues and since brakes locking up is a significant safety concern, it would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a brake system inspection to start the diagnosis process.

ANSWER : Hello. I would start by checking the brakes. A loss of fluid indicates a fluid leak. Most of the time this comes from either one of the calipers or wheel cylinders. It may also be the master cylinder from the description you are giving. The only way to know for sure what is going on is by inspecting the brakes. If you want to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose this and provide you with a brake fluid service if necessary.