A brake override forces vehicles to slow down under abnormal circumstances. Sometimes there’s an issue with the braking system and the brake override no longer works. You cannot fix the brake override malfunction; you can temporarily turn it off.
What is a brake override malfunction?
Seeing the words brake override malfunction is a nightmare for most drivers around the world. The last thing a driver wants to experience is their brakes malfunctioning, especially if they are driving fast.
A brake override malfunction is not an issue that you should take lightly. The second you see that there’s an issue wrong with your brakes, cancel everything you have to do for the day and take your vehicle to a mechanic.
But what is a brake override?
A brake override malfunction happens when the braking system cannot take control of the braking system and slow down the vehicle to prevent a collision.
Sensors are placed all around the braking system and these sensors are connected to the gas pedal and the brake pedal. The sensors are constantly providing feedback to the braking system.
When a driver starts driving erratically, due to circumstances in or out of their control, they may slam on the gas pedal and brake pedal at the same time, in an attempt to slow down their car. When the sensors alert the braking system to these erratic changes, it will trigger the braking override.
The braking override system’s goal is to ignore all other acceleration commands and slow the vehicle down. The braking override is an automatic system, and it can be turned on or off at the driver’s command.
What happens when the braking overrides malfunctions and can it be fixed?
When the brake overrides malfunctions, the system cannot automatically apply the brakes and slow down the vehicle. When the brake override is not functioning, the driver is more likely to get into an accident.
The braking override will malfunction for a few reasons. Luckily, each of these reasons can be fixed.
● If there is an issue with the brake pressure sensor – when the brake pressure sensor is not working correctly, it can send false signals to the braking system. Depending on the type of false signals it sends, the brake override system can suddenly turn on the brakes, even if the vehicle is not moving.
In other circumstances, the pressure sensor can send full signals so that the vehicle does not apply the braking system in circumstances that normally would.
How to fix the pressure sensor – a mechanic must test each pressure sensor in the system and find which one is not working. After it is found, it needs to be replaced.
● The airbag sensor is not working – what does an airbag sensor have to do with the brakes? The braking system and the airbag system relay information between each other.
If there is a faulty airbag sensor, then it may shut down the airbag system and the brake override system. If there’s an issue with the airbag, then you will see an airbag warning light on the dashboard.
How to fix the airbag sensor – the sensors and the wires connecting the sensor to the battery must be tested. There could be multiple issues causing the airbag sensor to fail.
The mechanic should also run a test over the entire airbag system to check for any other faults that have not been detected yet. But, like most sensors, they will have to be replaced if they are damaged.
● The Key FOB is faulty – many of the key fobs for today’s cars can turn on the engine of a car with the click of a button. The driver does not have to be inside or put the key in the ignition.
But if the key fob isn’t working correctly, it may prevent you from starting your vehicle’s engine. It will also send signals to the braking system that show you have your foot on the brakes, even if you’re not in the car.
How to fix a defective key fob – try to replace the batteries and clean any residue off of the key fob. If you decide to replace your key phone, you will have to visit a mechanic or a dealership that works directly with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
They can provide you with a new key fob and program it to your vehicle. Replacing a key fob will cost around $50 and $100.
Is there a way to override the brake override malfunction?
Yes, there is a way to override the brake override system and turn it off. But you will not have the automatic braking system to help you if you need it.
In order to shut off the override system, turn on the vehicle and allow it to run. Then, sit in the driver’s seat and then press the brake pedal and then the gas pedal. Hold each of the pedals down for 15 seconds. Be sure to count out 15 seconds to yourself.
There may not be a light showing that the brake override is off. But if you counted to 15 seconds, then it should be off.
After you have turned the brake override system off, drive slowly and be more cautious than ever before.
How to maintain your vehicle’s braking system
Maintaining the many parts of your vehicle’s braking system is the best way to ensure that you don’t have brake problems in the future. It is integral that you learn when you should replace your brake pads and drain and replace the braking fluid.
Here are three fundamental rules to good brake system maintenance.
- Every 12,000 miles, have your brakes serviced and replace the brake pads.
- Your vehicle’s braking fluid needs to be replaced every 25,000 miles. Braking fluid attracts moisture, which can corrode many parts of the braking system in record time.
- If your vehicle is over 5 years old, it may be time to think about upgrading the braking system. Most car companies are constantly working on their vehicles’ braking systems to improve them and keep their drivers safe.
Ask your car’s manufacturer if there are any upgrades available for your vehicle’s braking system.
Conclusion
A defective key fob and broken brake pressure or airbag sensors can prevent the breaking override system from activating when it says. Be sure to take your vehicle in for routine brake maintenance and replace your brake pads every 12,000 miles.
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