MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
AFTER MY CAR WARMS UP WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS HARD AND THE CAR STARTS TO SLOW DOWN LIKE IT DOESNT WANT TO DRIVE, WHEN I RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WILL STOP UNTIL I PRESS THE GAS AGAIN, AFTER A LITTLE MORE DRIVING IT STARTS TO HAVE A WEIRD SMELL LIKE RUBBER BURNING THEN SMOKE WOULD COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IF I SIT FOR 20 MINUTES WITH THE CAR OFF THEN I CAN START IT AGAIN AND DRIVE A LITTLE WHILE LONGER
My car has 151378 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Common Reasons Brake Lock Up
Overheated braking system. Using the wrong brake fluid. Damaged or broken parts (calipers, brake pads, pistons, rotors, or others) Defective ABS components.
When it is functioning correctly the ABS system is designed specifically to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, preventing loss of traction. However, there can be certain instances where a faulty ABS module can behave erratically, causing your brakes to lock up even under normal driving conditions.
There could be a problem with the master cylinder. When you push down on the brake pedal, the fluid pressure should be able to get to the brake pads or drum shoes. If the master cylinder valves and seals are not properly in place, the brakes may lock up.
The most common causes of your brakes not releasing is a seized caliper or brake pad. This typically occurs due to rusting or ageing. Typically, you will notice your vehicle pulling to one side when you press down on your brakes.
When your brake fluid heats up from use, the water boils into steam and reduces the effectiveness of your brakes. This can cause what`s called “brake fluid fade” and result in a soft or spongy feeling when you press down on the brake pedal.
The moment that you feel the brakes start to lock in a car without ABS, you should release the pressure on the pedal entirely and then rapidly pump the brake until the car stops. If your car has anti-lock brakes, to prevent locking up and sliding, you will feel a vibration and pulsing underneath the pedal as you stop.
The common symptom around this fault is having the ESP light permanently illuminated on your dashboard speedo (instrument cluster) and pressing the “ESP OFF” / “DCS” traction control button will have no effect – in some cases, the button will also be illuminated but again, pressing this button will have no effect.
Common signs include the ABS Light coming on, decreased stopping time, and less stability under icy or wet driving conditions.
An illuminated ABS warning light is the most common sign of a bad ABS module. The stability control light, traction control light, and other warnings will also likely turn on.
This pressure travels from the master cylinder, through the brake line, and acts on the brake caliper and brake rotor. However, if air bubbles are in the brake line, hydraulic pressure is reduced, making your entire braking system less effective and your vehicle more difficult to control.
2. Hydraulic Fluid Issues. Hydraulic fluid issues such as improper brake fluid or low brake fluid can also be a factor which can cause locking up on car brakes.
Why do brakes seize? Put simply, inactivity alongside corrosion are the main reasons why brakes seize. It`s not uncommon for a car`s brakes to seize if it has been left sitting idle for months – especially if it is parked outside. Brake discs can rust resulting in pads to become stuck to them or a caliper piston.
Can you continue to drive with a seized brake caliper? In short, no – you cannot continue to drive with a damaged brake caliper. Doing so can be extremely dangerous for both your vehicle and the safety of yourself and other road users.
Hot brake fluid turns the air and water into steam, which, in turn, reduces the fluid`s effectiveness and makes your brake pedal feel “spongy.” If your brakes smoke or you notice a burning smell when you apply your brakes, they are too hot. Think about a time when you`ve had to really slam on your brakes.
Warm weather impact
With time, overheated brakes can lose their effectiveness or even fail prematurely. During the summer months, you might notice you have to push down harder and longer on your brake pedal in order to stop your car, also known as brake fading.
The anti-lock braking system uses an ABS sensor or wheel sensor to monitor the wheel speed and send this information to the ABS computer. The ABS computer uses this information to prevent the brakes from locking during an emergency stop.
In order to test a pressure transducer, you need to connect the transmitter to the multimeter and use the suitable excitation voltage to excite the transmitter. At zero load, measure the transmitter`s voltage output. Record the voltage and compare it to the manufacturer`s datasheet`s no-load voltage specification.
The sensor is mounted near a tone wheel or ring. The ring is mounted on the wheel itself or the axle shaft so that it turns at the same speed as the wheel. A computer compares the speed of all the wheels to determine whether a wheel is spinning or locked and pulses the brakes accordingly.
No. It may affect ABS operation and vehicle stability control. Usually by disabling those systems and causing a warning lamp or message to illuminate. It could also affect transmission shifting.
If this sensor gets dirty, it can cause the ABS light to turn on, indicating a problem when none actually exists. In general, sensors that work with the engine impact the performance when they get dirty. The engine may sound rough, not run as well, or have less efficiency or power.
With the car turned off, pump the brake pedal four or five times until you get a hard brake pedal. Continue to hold the brake pedal down with moderate pressure and start the vehicle. The brake pedal should drop. If this brake pedal remains hard, there is a problem with the brake booster, such as a ripped diaphragm.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
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.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
I replaced the brake light switch. Gear lever unlocked because it had locked. Now the brakes feel hard.
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.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
abs light on brake line broke have been replace I bleed brake line but brake pad still go to the floor now wheels lock up
ANSWER : Hello. If the brake pedal is going to the floor then that means that it is not building pressure. If the brake system has been fully bled and there is no air in it then most of the time it is a bad master cylinder or it can be caused by a bad ABS module. If the brake fluid was low and if air got into the system then the only way to properly bleed it is with a scan tool that would allow you to open and close the valves in the ABS unit. Air gets trapped in these easily if the brake fluid gets low. This can also explain why the brakes are locking up. I would usually use my scan tool to bleed the system out first before going any further. I would also scan the brake control module to see what it is reading as a fault. If there is no air in the system and if there is no prominent code then I would replace the master cylinder first. If you want to check out why your brakes are locking up, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair this.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
Low brake pedal and anti-lock brakes are not kicking in.
ANSWER : The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to the master cylinder including the ABS unit. If the brakes are still spongy after a full bleed, then the controller will need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your brake pedal being spongy, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
I pulled into a parking spot and put my car into park, when I lifted my foot from the brake the car continues forward.
ANSWER : The vehicle transmission did not get back to the park position due to the shift cable came off of the transmission shift linkage. You will need to have a mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you and check the shift cable connection at the transmission to see if the shift cable bushing broke and let the cable end disengage from the shift linkage. The shift cable may need replaced if the cable end bushing is not available. I recommend a mechanic check the shift cable and replace cable or repair cable end as parts allow.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
When I put my foot on the brake my back left brake light goes off, when I take it off the brake the brake light comes on
ANSWER : I would suggest trying to disconnect and reconnect the wiring to the rear lights. I have seen these older Toyota vehicles rear lighting short out on the lights themselves due to the way the light circuit was made on the lamp housing. Look at the housing circuit on the light to see if one is touching another, and that could tell you why it is malfunctioning. There could also be a problem with the brake light switch. If you are not comfortable dealing with wires, I recommend getting in touch with a certified mechanic who can look at your brake light issue for you to see what’s going on.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
Front Passenger Lock sometimes does not lock with a remote control or by locking button located on either doors.
ANSWER : The solenoid is on the door latch and is most likely the cause of the problem for your 2005 Toyota Tacoma. If you want to have this inspected and repaired, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your door lock and perform the correct replacement.
Read Full Q/A … : MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
