brake pedal is hard to press, and the engine shuts off?

2002 INFINITI QX4
189,000 MILES • 3.4L
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BUDDYHAYES
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  • 2 POSTS
When I start it when pushing the brakes in to either put it in gear or driving, then have to come to a stop or slow down when pressing the brakes, it's hard and car shuts off.
Jul 11, 2022 at 6:53 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

If the brake pedal is hard to press and the engine stalls, chances are there is a leak in either the power brake vacuum booster or the hose to it is leaking.

If you open the hood on your vehicle, the brake master cylinder and vacuum brake booster will be on the driver's side-mounted to the firewall. With the engine running, listen for a hissing sound or anything that would indicate there is a vacuum leak.

If you look below, I circled the booster with yellow, placed an X over the master cylinder (that isn't the cause), and in blue, I circled the vacuum hose. Make sure the hose is attached and if you trace it, it will take you back to the engine where it will connect to the intake manifold. Make sure nothing on that hose is damaged, cracked, dry rotted, or loose.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Jul 11, 2022 at 9:49 PM