If it is an automatic transmission and the brake pedal wont move i would suspect the starter safety switch connected to the brake pedal isnt getting activated to allow the car to start,not sure why the brake pedal wont move,has your friend had any brake work done recently?And i doubt a starter problem would set of a 'check engine light'
For Echo related stuff this Toyota Nation forum is kinda comatose ,Try this other Echo forum.
http://www.echodrivers.com/forum/index.php?sid=9c58fba03b2c4795de73fa69fb4b28fb
or as the Echo is similar to the Yaris.
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/index.php
Good luck.
For Echo related stuff this Toyota Nation forum is kinda comatose ,Try this other Echo forum.
http://www.echodrivers.com/forum/index.php?sid=9c58fba03b2c4795de73fa69fb4b28fb
or as the Echo is similar to the Yaris.
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/index.php
Good luck.