Brake System Inspection and Test: Test

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2025 Honda Odyssey, 2024 Honda Odyssey, 2023 Honda Odyssey, 2022 Honda Odyssey, and 2021 Honda Odyssey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Brake System - Test

Brake pedal sinks/fades when braking

1. Set the parking brake, and start the engine, then turn off the A/C. Allow the engine to warm up to normal operating temperature (radiator fan comes on twice).

2. Make sure the steering column lock lever is in the locked position. Attach a 50 mm (1.97 in) piece of masking tape along the bottom of the steering wheel, and draw a horizontal reference mark across it.

3. With the transmission in P or N position/mode, press and hold the brake pedal lightly (about the same pressure needed to keep an A/T-equipped vehicle from creeping), then release the parking brake.

4. While still holding the brake pedal, hook the end of the tape measure behind the brake pedal, then pull the tape up to the steering wheel.

NOTE: Note the measurement between the brake pedal and the reference mark on the steering wheel.

5. Apply steady pressure to the brake pedal for 3 minutes.

6. Watch the tape measure.

If the measurement increases 10 mm (0.39 in) or less, the master cylinder is OK.
If the measurement increases more than 10 mm (0.39 in), replace the master cylinder .