Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup. 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 on	Brake fluid level. Circuitry. Instrument cluster.	FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line. REFER to INSTRUMENT PANELS - ANALOG - F150 PICKUP - GASOLINE or INSTRUMENT PANELS - ANALOG - F150 PICKUP - CNG .
Red brake warning indicator inoperative	Circuitry. Bulb.	REFER to INSTRUMENT PANELS - ANALOG - F150 PICKUP - GASOLINE or INSTRUMENT PANELS - ANALOG - F150 PICKUP - CNG .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure. Brake pads or shoes. Brake components. Suspension component. Wheel alignment.	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation. CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake discs and drums and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK wheel alignment. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES - BLACKWOOD & F150 PICKUP .
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level. Air in system. Brake master cylinder.	INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING-SYSTEM . INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING-SYSTEM . INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING-SYSTEM . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test .
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system. Brake master cylinder.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING-SYSTEM . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test .
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads and shoes. Brake component. Parking brake component. Anti-lock brake control system.	CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake components for proper operation. REPAIR as necessary. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE . CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to ANTI-LOCK - REAR - F150 or ANTI-LOCK - 4 WHEEL - F150 .
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system. Air in system. Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder (s). Brake master cylinder. Brake pads. Brake pedal.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING-SYSTEM . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test . CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear. CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component. Brake caliper guide pins. Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder (s). Brake booster. Brake master cylinder.	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE . REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS . REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT BRAKE CALIPER & PADS for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER & PADS for rear disc brakes or WHEEL CYLINDERS (F150 HERITAGE PICKUP & F150 for rear drum brakes. CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test .
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad or brake shoe wear. Brake disc pad transfer. Brake disc or drum. Suspension components.	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION . Go To PINPOINT TEST B: VIBRATION WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins. Brake drag.	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS . INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper or wheel cylinder as necessary. REFER to FRONT BRAKE CALIPER & PADS for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER & PADS for rear disc brakes or WHEEL CYLINDERS (F150 HERITAGE PICKUP & F150 for rear drum brakes.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster. Brake booster check valve. Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Test . REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose. Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers. Missing or damaged anti - rattle clips or springs. Loose brake disc shield.	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. CHECK the caliper guide pins and retainers for lubrication and correct operation. LUBRICATE or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS . CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anti-lock brake system (ABS)	ABS hydraulic control unit.	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness.	INSPECT brake pads and shoes for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads and shoes are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS and BRAKE SHOES .
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes, brake drums and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within specifications. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS .
Moaning noise	Brake pads or shoes contaminated with grease or oil.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT BRAKE CALIPER & PADS for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER & PADS for rear disc brakes or REAR BRAKE SHOES (F150 HERITAGE PICKUP & F150 for rear drum brakes.
Slow or incomplete brake pedal return	Carpet, floormat or other obstruction. Binding, damaged or incorrectly installed brake pedal. Binding, damaged or incorrectly installed power brake booster.	REMOVE the obstruction. TEST the system for normal operation. REPAIR or INSTALL a new brake pedal. CHECK brake pedal for correct installation. REFER to BRAKE PEDAL . REPAIR or INSTALL a new power brake booster. CHECK for correct installation. REFER to VACUUM POWER BOOSTER .
Adjustable brake pedal does not operate/does not operate correctly	Cable. Motor. Wiring. Switch.	Go To PINPOINT TEST A: ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT OPERATE/DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY .