Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always illuminated	Parking brake not fully released	RELEASE the parking brake. TEST the system for normal operation.
	Low brake fluid level	REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to diagnose the hydraulic brake system.
	Wiring, terminals or connectors	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES article to diagnose the brake warning indicator circuit.
	Brake master cylinder inoperative	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test. REFER to Component Tests in BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
The parking brake does not apply	Parking brake shoes out of adjustment (hybrid vehicles)	ADJUST the parking brake shoes. REFER to Parking Brake Shoe Adjustment . TEST the system for normal operation.
	Brake shoes out of adjustment (non-hybrid vehicles)	ADJUST the brake shoes. REFER to DRUM BRAKE article for the brake shoe adjustment procedure. TEST the system for normal operation.
	RH cable LH cable Front cable and conduit Brake shoes and hardware (non-hybrid vehicles) Parking brake shoes and hardware (hybrid vehicles) Parking brake control	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
The parking brake will not release	Parking brake control Brake shoes (non-hybrid vehicles) Parking brake shoes (hybrid vehicles) RH cable LH cable Front cable and conduit	Go to Pinpoint Test B .