Hi,

I have a Skoda Fabia 1.4 16v. I've discovered that whenever I have no engine power, my brake pedal goes hard and I'm unable to press it. Is this a problem with my car? I'm assuming it is but just wanted to check it wasn't a 'feature' first. It was more than a little hairy when I stalled the other day.

Thanks.

The braking's assisted (not sure how, so what follows is not technical!), although there should be some assistance "saved" once the engine switches off. For instance, if you switch the engine off, the pedal will go hard after about 3 presses (I think it's vacuum assisted, with the reservoir decreasing with use & recharged by the engine, or something).

Sorry for the vagueness, but I'm sure someone who knows/understands the intricacies better will be able to help - just wanted to say that the pedal does go hard with use if the engine isn't on!

The brakes will still work without the engine servo assistance however you will have to press 4-5x as hard to achieve the same braking effect.

Formula 1 cars have no servo assistance so their brake pedals are that hard all the time, which is why you often see them training their leg extensions in the gym as well as their neck muscles for the G forces...

There was a time not so long ago when all cars didn't have servo assisted braking, power steering, electric windows or remote central locking. No wonder gyms wasn't really that popular back in those days, because driving the car alone was a workout!

You young'uns don't know how easy you have it!

Edited 9 December, 201015 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

It is normal.

If you pump the brakes with the the engine off until the pedal goes hard, then start the engine while pressing the pedal you will find that the pedal drops as the brake assist recharges.

There was a time not so long ago when all cars didn't have servo assisted braking, power steering, electric windows or remote central locking. No wonder gyms wasn't really that popular back in those days, because driving the car alone was a workout!

You young'uns don't know how easy you have it!

Agree 100%, retired motor vehicle technician over 40 years experience.

Hi,

I have a Skoda Fabia 1.4 16v. I've discovered that whenever I have no engine power, my brake pedal goes hard and I'm unable to press it. Is this a problem with my car? I'm assuming it is but just wanted to check it wasn't a 'feature' first. It was more than a little hairy when I stalled the other day.

Thanks.

I found that it varies from model/marque to model/marque, my 2000MY Passat B5 can sit unused for a month and still have 3+ brake applications worth of assistance left, but my wife's 2003MY Polo 9N loses nearly all its assistance over night. I once replaced the one-way-valve in a 1976 Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia so that I could get a safer reserve of vacumn. Its something that can be a bit concerning when you are used to having a lot of spare assistance in hand, but where ever you go the answer will always be the same - "does it work when the engine is running?" if the answer is "yes" then there is no system failure - sorry that is the way it is.

Might well have a split vacuum hose.

Might well have a split vacuum hose.

I remember that there was a recall on the Ibiza 6K for hard/unsuitable brake servo hose, but have not heard of any issues with the Fabia/Polo 9N, Ibiza 6L servo hoses - or am I wrong? Seem to remember that the Polo 9N - (at least) is hard shaped "plastic" - I might have another look at it this weekend.

The brakes will still work without the engine servo assistance however you will have to press 4-5x as hard to achieve the same braking effect.

Formula 1 cars have no servo assistance so their brake pedals are that hard all the time, which is why you often see them training their leg extensions in the gym as well as their neck muscles for the G forces...

I'd agree with the first statement - the "hard" pedal you mention is actually teh brake working - but the effort will be greater and you won't get teh initial "bite" you get with the servo operating.

In respect of the second statement, my other car doesn't have servo-assisted brakes either - but the brakes are designed not to have it and whilst you have to be more deliberate pressing the pedal it's not as bad as a servoed car without the servo operating...

In respect of the second statement, my other car doesn't have servo-assisted brakes either - but the brakes are designed not to have it and whilst you have to be more deliberate pressing the pedal it's not as bad as a servoed car without the servo operating...

Much like PAS equipped cars then I guess, thanks