Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start Brake Pedal Hard [Proven Fixes]

With the output of a smart car and being robust, the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with lots of capabilities.

Even when offroading, just like any other vehicle they tend to develop faulty starting systems.

Let’s say for whatever reason you are in a situation where your Jeep cranks but will not start.

It can be annoying, especially to a driver to press the brake pedal and it is very stiff.

Such kinds of problems are very common in older and high-mileage vehicles. Especially in Jeep Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade models with 2.4 Multiair engines.

This post aims to provide some of the causes of hard brake pedal problems and how the most recent technologies can deal with most of these problems.

Jeep Cherokee Won't Start Brake Pedal Hard [Proven Fixes]

What Does a Hard Brake Pedal Indicate?

Meaning metaphorically, a hard brake pedal is never good news. It defines a certain degree of total failure of the braking system.

The other type of hard brake pedal is the one that occurs after the vehicle has been given a soft feel, which in general is not likely to happen and usually is due to air in the lines that physically requires the bleeding of the brake system.

The Role of the Brake Booster

The brake booster is an essential element in the vehicle’s braking system.

It increases the effort exerted onto the brake pedal making it less strenuous for the driver to apply brakes.

It is powered using vacuum pressure which can be produced by the engine or an electric vacuum pump.

In case of a vacuum breach, or hydraulic brake booster failure, the pressure on the pedal can be extremely hard with no motion felt.

Starter Issues

In case, your Jeep does not make some sound when the key is turned, the next thing to check will be the starter.

If the starter is not kicking in, there’s some other starter diagnosis to carry on:

Starter Relay: This relay supplies power to the starter. If this relay is defective, the starter will not be powered on.
Fuses: It is advisable to look into the fuse that is about the starter. A blown fuse can stop the starter from drawing power.
Connections: Make sure that the wires going onto the starter are connected properly and they are clean of any kind of rust.

Problems of Fuel System

In this instance, the starter operates, but the engine fails to fire; this can be said in other terms there is a need to look at the fuel system.

Troubles here can include issues with the following components:

Fuel Pump

This is the main component of the fuel system; without the fuel pump, there will be no fuel supplied to the engine.

Try to check if you can hear a humming noise coming from the fuel tank when you turn the key on to the ignition.

The fuel cannot be supplied to the starting engine due to clogged and/or faulty fuel injectors.

Electrical System Check

Another reason for the starting difficulties may be the presence of electrical issues.

Here’s what to look for:

Battery Condition: Together with corroded battery terminals, battery weakness and being worn out are normal problems encountered when starting up the engine. The battery needs to be mounted and be free of inflammation.

Ignition Switch: An ignition switch does not output that a starter or fuel pump is engaged because it is broken.

Fuse Box: If everything else checks out, proceed to the main fuse box. A blown fuse or corroded fuse links lead to starting problems especially when the 10amp fuse for the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is blown. Make sure to move fuses back and forth to rule out poor contact ends.

Common Sensors to Check

Numerous sensors are necessary to complete the routine during engine starting. Breaking those sensors will shut down the Jeep from starting.

A few of the sensors to check include:

Crankshaft Position Sensor

The crankshaft Position Sensor is employed to track the movement of the crankshaft and shear this motion to the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

If this sensor is broken or not taped into the socket, the engine fails to start.

Similar to the crankshaft sensor, a camshaft position sensor supplies information to the ECU as well. In the absence of such a sensor, the engine may not turn on.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

If the coolant temperature sensor is malfunctioning, it can lead to starting issues.

Ensure that this sensor is connected properly and functioning correctly.

Diagnostic Steps to Take

In instances where the starting of your Jeep is a problem, these diagnostic steps should be followed:

Take a look at the battery: Make sure it’s not flat and that the connectors are not rusty.
Examine the starter relay and fuses: Check for unsuccessful attempts to start the system due to blown fuses or failed relays.
Listen for the fuel pump: Place the key in the on position (but don’t start the engine) and see if you hear the fuel pump noise.
Look over the ignition system: Look at the ignition switch and wiring for any cracks.
Look for error codes: Scan the engine in code mode to see if there is sensor trouble and the check engine icon light.

Common Causes of a Hard Brake Pedal

Different factors will contribute to the reason why you may experience a hard brake pedal in your jeep.

Knowing more about these factors helps one in determining the problem accurately.

Vacuum Leak: This is one of the common reasons for hard brake pedals. When a vacuum line has a crack or complete break, you won’t be able to create enough vacuum pressure for the brake booster.
Faulty Vacuum Pump: This is a device either mechanical or electrical that creates the vacuum required by the brake booster. When this pump does not work properly it will fail to the necessary vacuum causing a hard pedal.
Brake Booster Malfunction: Although rare, a hydraulic brake booster can also cause a hard brake pedal if for example, the internal membranes of the booster don’t work and the vacuum will be useless.
Directional Valves Issues: Also the brake system comes with directional valves for vacuum management. These valves might leak and then hinder the supply of vacuum to the brake booster.
Hose Damage: Over time vacuum hoses can develop cracks or leaks. This is especially true for old vehicles. It is important to check these hoses for wear and tear in the process of diagnosing brake pedal problems.

Diagnosing the Problem

To properly diagnose a hard brake pedal, follow these steps:

Step 1: Look for wear and tear in the following vacuum lines

Start by seeing the vacuum lines present in the brake booster.

There should not be tight places or any other signs of breakage and disconnected areas. A broken hose can also suffice as a vacuum leak.

Step 2: Listen for any unusual noise from the vacuum pump

If the hoses are in good condition, it is proper to assume that next to check would be the vacuum pump.

Examine it closely for any signs of abnormal noise. Applying a vacuum gauge is also advised.

Step 3: Inspect the Brake Booster

If both the hoses and the pump appear to be functioning correctly, check for any physical damage to the casing of the pump.

It may be prudent in such instances to replace the booster brake.

Step 4: Check the Gate Valves

Check that the gate valves are operating correctly also known as directional valves.

You may do this by blowing air in the reverse direction through the valves and ascertaining that it does not go through.

Preventive Measures

To prevent recurrence of the hard brake pedal problem, the following precautionary measures can be undertaken:

Preventive Maintenance: Look after the vacuum hoses and the brake parts of your car on a regular period to avoid them being worn out.
Programmed Inspection: Plan periodical inspection and changes if necessary of all the details of your brake system.
Timely Repairs: Whenever a problem occurs, address it immediately to avoid deeper and more expensive problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you own a Jeep Cherokee and there is a brake pedal above you in the back seat, then the belly of the autopilot needs to be grounded instead.

So further possibly understand some of the problems and therefore do everything in that order as the above steps have been.

Remember, preventative care and timely repair are essential if you want to improve the condition of your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my brake pedal so firm until the car is started?

It is expected to have a firm brake pedal with the engine off. This may occur because the power assist brake, the brake booster, uses some vacuum from the engine.

This occurs because when the engine is turned off, there is no vacuum, thus making the “brake pedal” stiff.

As the engine takes off, the negative pressure held by the brake booster makes it possible to change the “brake pedal” feel to soften.

If the pedal stays hard as if the engine is still off even after the engine is started, it can indicate a problem with the brake booster or there is a vacuum leak.

In this case, one should visit a mechanic rather one attempt to drive the vehicle.

Why won’t my Jeep Cherokee start but have power?

If there is power on the dashboard but your Jeep Cherokee won’t start, then there are several factors that will be the cause.

Battery: Inspect the battery, the terminals may be damaged or the battery discharged.

Starter: The individual who is attempting to crank the engine may find it impossible to do as the starter motor is damaged thereby offering no response.

Ignition: Failure of the ignition coil or faults within the key fob/ignition switch may make it impossible to start.

Fuel System: Confirm that there is fuel in the fuel tank and that the gasoline engine fuel pump is operational.

Security System: The anti-theft system can prevent the engine from starting and other systems from allowing the vehicle to move.

Error Codes: When looking for trouble codes, it is advisable to use a scanner or an OBD-II device.

What is the solution for the hard brake pedal?

A stiff brake pedal is normally a sign of some defect in the brakes.

To start, check the brake fluid level as a low level of brake fluid may lead to a hard brake pedal. There could be a leak in the brake lines or even in the master cylinder.

Furthermore, due to the ridged rotary action of a defective brake booster, the air in the system generates hissing sounds as the pedal is pressed on to tighten.

Such will however not come out, and A new one will be needed to rectify that if the brake booster is not now working.

Similarly, damage to the autonomy of vacuum blocking a tip of connecting it to the booster should be expected.

Last, make sure also brake pads and rotors are decent.

Why is my brake pedal hard but no brakes?

A tight and hard brake pedal lacking any braking power is always ominous.

Check the brake fluid level first; without enough fluid, braking will not be efficient. Check for leaks in the brake lines or master cylinder.

This may also be caused by an intervention booster that when it fails, you will lose assistance and will have a hard pedal feel.

After that, having air in the brake lines can increase the surface of the pedal but subsequently, importantly reduce the efficiency of braking.

Check the condition of brake pads and rotors and any signs of wear and tear. Dealing with all these problems on time is crucial.

How do I firm up my brake pedal?

You need to watch as the following factors decrease the importance of why your fluid hydraulic systems have low brake pressure.

To correct this, you will need to look at the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder.

A continued spongy guy’s z can be traced to low fluid in the vehicle’s brake system.

Now, the next step is to check all the joints where there could be leaks of fluid or air to inspect for leakages.

There might be some trapped air in the calipers, which must again be suppressed.

Pay attention to the resurfaced vacuum cleaner not overstressed the stalk sleeves and foot sensors.

If this part is real, it will eventually have to make its way through the finish of the pedal.

Eventually, brake components should be installed and sufficiently tightened where pre-occupied.

What are the symptoms of a faulty brake booster?

The effects of a faulty brake booster are many.

You may experience some difficulties when engaging the brake pedal, and the car will not stop easily.

There may also be some hissing sounds made when you engage the brake, this is due to vacuum leakage.

The car could take more time or work harder to stop which will in turn deal a smack on the overall brake performance.

Certainly, the dashboard will have the brake warning light illuminated.

If you feel the brakes are annoying, such as when you halt the vehicle or there is a pulling forward feeling when halting the vehicle, these can be indications as well.

Discerning tinkering and executing are very important measures in protecting one’s safety on the roads.