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Yet another brake start question

5.8K views 22 replies 9 participants last post by  SDupontJr  
#1 ·
I have noticed lately that sometimes I'll barely press the brake to start and other times I have to just about push the brake through the floorboard to get it to start. I did the jumper thing and of course, it started right away with no issues other than the brake lights on. Cleaned the contacts and it still does the same thing. Sometimes starts real easy, sometimes I have to pump brakes, other times mashed to floor. And its not doing it in that order every time.

I have also looked extensively at the wiring schematic about just bypassing it all together and sending an ignition hot straight to the starter coil, but still working on that.

Any suggestions? Did someone figure out a bypass? (and yes I know the safety police will show up, but you inadvertently push the brake out of habit, now I just now it will start)
 
#18 ·
Jungle, that did it. I had a ton of air going to my drivers rear wheel. So I decided to flush the entire system. My 2013 800 takes Dot4. Flushed every line and the old fluid that came out looked like old amber fish fry grease. Nasty. Probably the original brake fluid from 2013. I also applied some dielectric grease on the terminals because I do have to cross some mud and very little water on my property. Barely touch the brakes now and she fires right up. Appreciate all the input from others, because if that didn't work, I was going to the next option mentioned.
 
#7 ·
Only problem with jumping it....at least on my 2018. The brake lights stay on if jumped.
 
#8 ·
Correct. For some it's an issue, depends on your use. I have ranchers and hunters that will have me just disconnect the rear lights. Cows and deer don't know what a brake light is anyway.
 
#9 ·
I have noticed lately that sometimes I'll barely press the brake to start and other times I have to just about push the brake through the floorboard to get it to start. I did the jumper thing and of course, it started right away with no issues other than the brake lights on. Cleaned the contacts and it still does the same thing. Sometimes starts real easy, sometimes I have to pump brakes, other times mashed to floor. And its not doing it in that order every time.

I have also looked extensively at the wiring schematic about just bypassing it all together and sending an ignition hot straight to the starter coil, but still working on that.

Any suggestions? Did someone figure out a bypass? (and yes I know the safety police will show up, but you inadvertently push the brake out of habit, now I just now it will start)
It's easy to bypass , what year / model do you have ?
 
#10 ·
I have noticed lately that sometimes I'll barely press the brake to start and other times I have to just about push the brake through the floorboard to get it to start. I did the jumper thing and of course, it started right away with no issues other than the brake lights on. Cleaned the contacts and it still does the same thing. Sometimes starts real easy, sometimes I have to pump brakes, other times mashed to floor. And its not doing it in that order every time.

I have also looked extensively at the wiring schematic about just bypassing it all together and sending an ignition hot straight to the starter coil, but still working on that.

Any suggestions? Did someone figure out a bypass? (and yes I know the safety police will show up, but you inadvertently push the brake out of habit, now I just now it will start)
It's the pressure switch going bad. Had the same problem, replaced the switch, now all good.
 
#11 ·
"other times mashed to floor "

It could be the brake switch but just didnt seem likely on a 2013 800 and I havent seen a properly bled brake system on a Ranger that would allow the pedal be mashed to the floor. Seems like bleeding the system first would be the easier cheaper way to go ...

IMO, bypassing the brake switch is just plain crazy unsafe unless you live alone in an isolated location. Young kids could get on it and turn the key and ................
 
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#13 · (Edited)
"other times mashed to floor "
I felt that statement was an exaggeration, but I may be mistaken.
on a 2013 800
Where did I miss that info? And I agree that it would be unlikely on a 700/800.
IMO, bypassing the brake switch is just plain crazy unsafe unless you live alone in an isolated location. Young kids could get on it and turn the key and ................
100%.. A lot of my customers are owners of 1000's of acres of land and their machines are used exclusively by ranch hands. If kid's are around, no way, I won't do it.
 
#14 ·
My old 2013 mid size 800 developed the bad switch syndrome.
I extended the switch wires and ran them through a push button switch I put inside the top of the cubby hole in the left side of the dash.
It wouldn't start unless you pushed the button and if I needed the brake lights I just pushed the button.
It is also an effective anti theft device.
 
#16 ·
ive had about 2 of these come in the shop for this concern, in the last year. Both times its been a faulty brake pressure switch. Replaced the switch, and banjo washers, which happens to be the banjo bolt for the front lines. Bleed the brakes and your fault should be fixed.
 
#17 ·
oh wow, been on vacation and just got back.

- I didn't get a chance to bleed the brakes but will today. But will 1st check fluid level

- Yes I do sometimes have to basically stand on the brake pedal to get it to start, so in essence, I am mashing it to the floor.

- Model is 2013 800 efi

- I'm not concerned with the "safety" of the brake start due to I push the brake to start out of habit anyway and the only other drivers of my unit are my wife and 2 sons and they are both in college.

-
 
#21 ·
Nice win Jman!

I still want to know how in post 11 you knew it was a 2013 800 when the OP didn't mention that until 17?
B, I owe it all to my crystal balls... and the fact Du has been here a while ..:oops:
 
#22 ·
Exactly. To be perfectly honest i rarely use my brakes. I don't haul tail anymore (too old for that crap now ha) so the drive system usually slows me down so that I barely use my brakes to stop. And I rarely ride in high gear for the trails I ride on, stay in low range. So in thinking it could have been that way for a long time and just never noticed it before. Never has a drop of anything come out and the level was actually good before I started. Given the color of the fluid, it's not far fetched to think that it may have come from the dealership like that. Don't know.