A couple week ago, I ran into the grocery store, returned and my car wouldn't start. Initially it turned over for less then 1/2 second then went dead. When I placed my foot on the brake, it felt like I was stepping on cement (the brake pedal had no travel). I tried several times over the next 15 minutes - the brake pedal had no travel and the car wouldn't turn over. I called the auto club. When they arrived 45 minutes later, I tried one last time and I had brake travel and the car tuned over. Went to my trusted mechanic of 30+ years and said I needed an ignition and starter.

10 days and $1,200 later (everything is more expensive in SoCal), the same thing happened. Brake pedal was like cement and the car wouldn't turn over. I waiting 20 minutes to try again and the car turned on. Drove to my mechanic where the car is now (and it seems to be working fine).

No trouble codes pop up. Other then the starter and ignition I had installed, same shop replaced my front rotors and pads.

Could the brake job I got about a month ago (same time I changed the battery) be related to why I am having trouble turning on the car? Other then successfully (yet feeble) attempts at changing the oil, I'm not mechanically knowledgeable. Car runs like new otherwise. Would appreciate any advice that is offered.

 

I'll try first...A total guess.

A pedal as you describe could be a bad brake booster causing a massive vacuum leak. A massive vac leak could cause a no start.

I've seen this on other car forums.

 

When the auto club came did they jump start the car to get it going?

The reason your brake pedal became hard is because the engine wasnt running and creating vacuum. The brake booster needs vacuum from a running engine in order to "assist" the brake pedal pressure.

Back to your car not starting issue, I am assuming the auto club started the vehicle with a jump start. Then why did your trusty mechanic replace the starter? I think you have an issue with corroded battery terminals, when they installed the new battery maybe they over tightened the terminals. Therefore the contact to the starter would be weak! Because that could mask itself as a bad starter but test fine with a battery level test.

 

There was no need for a jump start. When the tow arrived, I tried (one last time in desperation) to start the car - and it turned over on its own.

 

It sounds like a bad battery to me also. I think you just wasted 1200 on a starter that you didn't need when you yourself said it was still starting the car. The brake job has absolutely nothing to do with the starting issue.