The break pedal in the morning will not go down at all and there are almost no breaks. When I drive forward for ~100 yards the pedal works again. It is fine for the rest of the day. Next day, problem is back first time I drive the car. Any ideas?

 

There is an electric pump associated with the anti-lock brakes that you should hear when the car first starts up. Someone more knowledgeable will need to provide better details on how it works. Anyone?

 

Not sure, I have a different issue. Work fine after 1st 100 yards

 

I drove my 2001 yesterday and you definitely can hear the electric pump on the brakes when the car is idling. It's a high pitched whine that I could hear when my foot was on the brake and the car was moving slowly like when I back out of the garage or a parking spot. I'm not 100% positive but I believe the pump works when engine vacuum is low to assist your braking effort.

Can you hear yours?

 

same problem; 01 s40. from what i've read, it's most likely the brake vacuum switch going (or gone) bad. needs to be replaced.

 

Is the brake vacuum switch the plastic piece up by the brake booster? If so, mine had completely busted apart due to high heat, cheap plastic, and a large spring inside. I removed the piece and used JB Weld in a vice (due to the spring pressure) to put it back together. It's been a couple years now but it works.

 

Thanks all. Will be a couple of weeks before I can replace it, will let you know how it goes.