Car shuts off when brake is pressed!

Asked by aashleyy20 Nov 23, 2014 at 08:57 PM about the 1996 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL1 Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a '96 saturn sl1. I bought it
about 6 months ago from a friend of
a friend. When I bought it they said
brakes were replaced within the past
year amongst other things. It ran
totally fine. No problems for the past
6 months until a week or so ago. My
engine started to sound a bit loud so
I figured I was overdue for an oil
change since I drive on the highway
frequently and I was about 200 miles
overdue. I got it changed but it didn't
really sound much better. A week or
so later there was clanking coming
from under my car and then all my
lights inner and outer were flickering
just a little bit. You could only tell if
you stared at them. Then one day it
was very cold and I started to drive
it. I get to the stop sign press the
brake and everything flickered on
and off but the engine caught itself I
guess and kept going. That night I
am parked and my car had been
running for probably 3-5 mins while I
got the snow off and then I pressed
the brake while in park to see if
anything happened and the engine
and radio shut off BUT all the
symbols on my dash were lit up like I
hadn't turned my key the whole way.
I turned my key and started up the
engine and then I drove home fine
never did it again. I didn't end up
driving it for 2 days and it wouldn't
start. I got a jump let it run for 15
mins tried the brake and it shut my
entire car off engine and all and
didn't make a sound when I tried
turning the key! What could be
wrong?!?! Thank you in advance!

2 Answers

30,510

have your battery and alternator tested, and check for vac leaks. especially in the brake booster line.

Best Answer Mark helpful

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Alex Nazarian
    Reputation
    2,650
  • #2
    Paul Martin
    Reputation
    1,980
  • #3
    helpmeplease
    Reputation
    1,460
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.