Why won't my Ford Granada start, or why does the brake pedal go to the floor?

Short answer: If your Granada only tries to fire as you let go of the key, the ignition gets power while cranking but not while running, or the other way around. Check the ballast resistor wire and the start bypass wire at the ignition switch and starter relay, and check the connector at the distributor. If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, it's losing fluid. Fill the master cylinder and look for leaks, especially a wet tire inside.

Symptom: The engine cranks but fires only for a moment when you release the key. Or the brake pedal goes all the way down.

What to check first

1. Check the ballast resistor wire and the start bypass wire at the switch and starter relay.
2. Inspect the connector between the harness and the distributor and ignition module.
3. Check the pickup coil wires in the distributor.
4. Fill the brake master cylinder and look for wet spots at each wheel and along the lines.
5. Look inside each tire for brake fluid.

Likely causes

1. Ballast resistor or ignition wiring at the switch. The ballast resistor wire feeds the ignition while running, and a bypass wire feeds full power while cranking. If they're swapped or broken, the engine fires only as you release the key.
2. Ignition signal not reaching the module. The owner traced the signal, and it stopped at the connector to the distributor and ignition module.
3. Leaking wheel cylinder or brake line. A brake pedal that sinks to the floor usually means fluid is leaking out. A wet tire inside points to a wheel cylinder.

What it usually costs

No owner posted prices in these threads.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Don't drive with a brake pedal that goes to the floor. You may not be able to stop. Tow it. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY-friendly. Ignition wiring checks and wheel cylinders are home jobs, but brakes must be bled properly afterward.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists recalls for the Ford Granada, but none matched these no-start or brake leak problems in our 2026-10-28 lookup. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: No recall covers these problems. Treat them as normal repairs.
• NHTSA complaints: 0 keyword-matched complaints for Ford Granada 1975–1982 (of 3 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-28; keywords: start, crank, ignition, brake, pedal, leak). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 1981 Ford Granada 3.3L 200 Only Tries to Start When Key Is Released on Car Talk, a 1981 Granada with the 3.3-liter six wouldn't start after a water pump job and only tried to fire when the key was released. The owner had replaced the ignition module, distributor, rotor, switch and plugs. Members suggested the ballast resistor or its wire, the start bypass and ballast wires being swapped at the ignition switch, the starter relay wiring, and the pickup coil wires. The owner traced the signal, and it didn't get past the connector to the distributor and ignition module.
• In Brake Problems in Granada on Car Talk, a 1982 Granada's brake pedal got closer and closer to the floor, and the fluid reservoir was nearly empty. Members said to fill the master cylinder, pump the pedal, and look for leaks. A wet tire on the inside points to a leaking wheel cylinder.

Quick tip

An engine that fires only when you release the key is a wiring clue. Look at the ballast and bypass wires before buying more parts.

Vehicle focus: 1975–1982 Ford Granada (US).

Safety / mechanic note

Have the brakes inspected before driving again. Verify with a mechanic.