Break light is on and car won't move (the car cranks and the engine runs fine)

Asked by Lisa89___ Mar 08, 2018 at 06:11 PM about the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, I have not had any issues with it for a year.
However, just yesterday my break light came on but I was still able to drive it;
This morning it was on as well but It wouldn't move at all once I put my car in
reverse and drive. It has been super cold lately but I'm not sure how to fix this
issue, considering that it won't move at all, but the engine runs just fine.

1 Answer

26,815

Your brake light illuminating tells you one of two things. Either your E Brake is on or your brake system has a fault. First, double check that your E Brake is disengaging when you go to drive the car. If it does not disengage, that is your problem. If it does disengage, then the problem is probably a locked up brake cylinder. In either case, you need to have the car taken to a repair shop if these repairs are beyond your skill level. PS - If it has been really cold, and you had driven through water last time out, the brakes may just be frozen in place over night and just need to thaw and dry.

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