Break Peddle Hard when Starting

[LincolntoHyundai]

We recently purchased a new 2016 Genesis 3.8 AWD Ultimate. When you start the car we all know your foot must be on the break peddle. Most often, normal pressure (the weight of your foot) is sufficient to permit starting the car. However, on occasion the break peddle is very stiff and normal pressure is not sufficient to permit starting. It will start no problem except that you need to press very firmly on the break peddle in order to depress it sufficiently to permit starting. After that everything is fine. Any thoughts on what is happening or what we are doing to create this situation? Thanks.

 

[puzzled]

Probably you pressed the brake pedal more than once while the car is turned off. Will cause pressure to build up.

 

[ceebee]

Mine has done that from day one! I think it happens almost everyday with mine, especially in the morning when the car sits overnight. It is extremely stiff and requires more than regular effort to depress. This is the first car I've had where you need to press the pedal so hard when starting, that I assumed that's maybe how Hyundai makes their cars and never bothered to question it.

 

[Nikgen]

Mine has done that from day one! I think it happens almost everyday with mine, especially in the morning when the car sits overnight. It is extremely stiff and requires more than regular effort to depress. This is the first car I've had where you need to press the pedal so hard when starting, that I assumed that's maybe how Hyundai makes their cars and never bothered to question it.

My 2016 does this sometimes too. I never experienced it with the 2015. Not a big problem, but sometimes I have to try twice to start the car.

 

[lobsenza]

The cause is that the power brake assist is not working. The reason is that you might have pressed the brake several times after shutting the car off. In addition, the power brake assist could bleed off over a period of time (many days). If it happens overnight and you haven't pressed the brake pedal after the engine is shut off, you could have a bad power brake booster.

 

[5 Timer]

^^^^ lobsenza got in there before me
probaly not a defective brake boooster on a new car - but possible.
****
From what you guys are describing.... "If" when you first get in your car you step on the brake pedal and release it before attempting to start the engine, you have released stored vacuum in the brake servo/brake booster. When stepping back down on the pedal it will be firm. The engine must be running so that manifold vacuum can build back up and restore normal brake function.

Additionally, when the engine doesn't start with your foot on the brake pedal it may be an indication that a microswitch, linked into the interlock system that prevents accidental starts, and is connected to the brake pedal mechanism is adjusted in a manner that requires significant pressure on the brake pedal. 'Without the vacuum assist' you may have to press down really hard to get enough pedal travel to signal the interlock, telling it that it is OK to start the engine.

On my Genesis, even if I deplete the vacuum in the brake servo, it will start with with very light pressure on the brake pedal.

You may not get much satisfaction from your service dept on this complaint. If the engine does start with firm brake pedal pressure and the brake servo is functioning, the response will be "functioning normally"

Be cognizant when first entering your car that you are not stepping on the pedal until you are ready to start the engine and see if that helps.
I've watched my wife use the brake pedal for leverage when getting herself positioned in the seat.

 

[Nikgen]

^^^^ lobsenza got in there before me
probaly not a defective brake boooster on a new car - but possible.
****
From what you guys are describing.... "If" when you first get in your car you step on the brake pedal and release it before attempting to start the engine, you have released stored vacuum in the brake servo/brake booster. When stepping back down on the pedal it will be firm. The engine must be running so that manifold vacuum can build back up and restore normal brake function.

Additionally, when the engine doesn't start with your foot on the brake pedal it may be an indication that a microswitch, linked into the interlock system that prevents accidental starts, and is connected to the brake pedal mechanism is adjusted in a manner that requires significant pressure on the brake pedal. 'Without the vacuum assist' you may have to press down really hard to get enough pedal travel to signal the interlock, telling it that it is OK to start the engine.

On my Genesis, even if I deplete the vacuum in the brake servo, it will start with with very light pressure on the brake pedal.

You may not get much satisfaction from your service dept on this complaint. If the engine does start with firm brake pedal pressure and the brake servo is functioning, the response will be "functioning normally"

Be cognizant when first entering your car that you are not stepping on the pedal until you are ready to start the engine and see if that helps.
I've watched my wife use the brake pedal for leverage when getting herself positioned in the seat.

I don't step on the brake pedal after shutting off the car or prior to starting. As I said, it never happened on my 2015 in 18 months of ownership, but it happens with some frequency on the 2016.

 

[LincolntoHyundai]

Thanks for the info. I must be unconsciously hitting the break peddle at times. My wife (5'3") says that she has never noticed the issue as when she shuts the car off the seat retracts and she can't even reach the peddle. I'm 6'3" so I just may be the culprit when I get in. Again, thanks for the feedback.

 

[jsmit86]

Could be caused by a vacuum leak.... have it checked out.

 

[genesis333]

I have the exact same issue when starting the car overnight. I just thought it was unique to this car.. Please let me know if you ever get it checked out.

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[PMCErnie]

Don't break the brake pedal.

 

[detailman84]

Hello. New Genesis 3.8 ultimate owner here. Purchased the '2016 about 3 wks ago and so far LOVE IT albeit some minor annoyances of "rattles/squeaks" and the blind spot monitor alert coming on when there is NO MOVEMENT or other vehicles around me.
As far as the brake issue... I HAVE EXPERIENCED this on my 2013 BMW 335is coupe AND 2013 VW Jetta TDI (both have push button starts). Both manufacturers in the service departments immediately told me they need to replace the vacuum boosters, and blah blah blah. It's been 3 yrs and I have not taken either vehicle in for booster replacement. I am not confident in their ability to truly diagnose the issue or repair a problem that may not be the true problem. I don't want a mechanic to go and end up "messing something else up". I figure if it gets bad enough or "fails" then they will truly be able to diagnose the issue. If your Hyundai is under warranty I would at least have the service dept look at it and "document the issue". Just my two cents .....

 

[Runswithscissors]

I realize this is an old thread, but I have a 2019 G80 in for this exact reason. The dealership was able to replicate the issue by letting the car sit for a couple of days. They also tested it against a couple of other Genesis that they had on the lot that did not have the issue. They are replacing the brake booster and it isn't due to someone accidentally putting their foot on the brake when entering the car. It is an issue on some of these cars.

 

[greekgeek]

I realize this is an old thread, but I have a 2019 G80 in for this exact reason. The dealership was able to replicate the issue by letting the car sit for a couple of days. They also tested it against a couple of other Genesis that they had on the lot that did not have the issue. They are replacing the brake booster and it isn't due to someone accidentally putting their foot on the brake when entering the car. It is an issue on some of these cars.

Yep, had it replaced on my 2015. Good luck.

 

[TinsleyC]

Don't break the brake pedal.

If you break the brake pedal you may have to peddle the broke brake!