What should you do if the brake pedal does not build up pressure? Question What should you do if the brake pedal does not build up pressure? Answers Upshift. Downshift. Hold the brake pedal down as far as it will go. Pump the brakes. Explanation If you lose pressure in a hydraulic brake system, one appropriate response is to shift down into a lower gear. This will help slow the vehicle. This questions appears in the following tests: District Of Columbia Class B Knowledge Test Massachusetts Class B Knowledge Test Mississippi Double Oregon Class A Knowledge Test