Range Rover Won't Start Brake Locked

As a seasoned Range Rover owner (and mechanic), I can personally attest to the brand’s tendency to experience reliability issues.

So, it’s no surprise that one of the most common issues Range Rover owners face is a car that won’t start when the brake is locked.

In this article, I’ll dive into the possible causes of this issue, provide a list of necessary parts and tools, and give a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.

What models are affected?

Signs and symptoms

When your Range Rover won’t start, you’ll likely notice that the engine won’t turn over at all.

Additionally, you may hear a clicking noise when you turn the key. You may also notice that the brake is hard to press and that the brake light is on.

List of possible OBD codes

When faced with a Range Rover that won’t start when the brake is locked, the OBD codes that could come up are the following:

P0705 –Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0562- System Voltage Low

Common causes

There are several common causes of a Range Rover that won’t start when the brake is locked, including:

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

Yes, it’s possible to fix this issue without a mechanic. However, it mainly depends on what is causing the problem.

If it’s a dead battery, then you could charge the battery and get it running. But, if it’s something more complex like a faulty brake light switch, you may want to take it to a mechanic.

Parts you’ll need to fix it

The parts you’ll need to fix a Range Rover that won’t start when the brake is locked depending on what’s causing the problem.

However, the most common parts needed are:

Battery
Starter
Brake light switch
Vacuum line

Tools you’ll need to fix it

The following tools will be necessary to troubleshoot and fix a Range Rover with this issue:

Socket wrench set
Multimeter
Vacuum line
Allen wrench set

How to fix it

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a Range Rover that won’t start when the brake is locked:

First, check the battery. If it’s dead, you might charge it or replace it.
If the battery is good, check the starter. Use a multimeter to verify if it’s operational.
If the starter is good, check the brake light switch. Identify the fault and replace it if faulty.
If the brake light switch is working properly, consider checking the vacuum line. Find out if it’s broken or leaking and fix it if required.

Potential alternative causes

While the above fixes address the most common issues associated with this particular issue, there could be other causes. Double-check the brake pedal’s position by pulling it back up and looking for any dirt or debris.

Additionally, some Range Rovers can have a faulty transmission shift position sensor that could be causing the issue.

FAQs

What could cause the brake light to stay on?

A malfunctioning brake light switch can cause the brake light to stay on.

How do I know if the starter is operational?

Use a multimeter to verify if there’s enough power flowing from the battery to the starter motor.

Summary

A Range Rover that won’t start when the brake is locked is a common issue caused by a dead battery, faulty starter, brake light switch, or a broken vacuum line.

You may need to double-check the brake pedal’s position or the transmission shift position sensor if the above fixes do not work.

Finally, ensure you have the necessary parts and tools before attempting to fix them yourself.