Symptom Charts

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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	CHECK the brake fluid level. If the level is below the MIN line, ADD fluid as necessary and check for leaks.
	Circuitry Instrument cluster	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
The red brake warning indicator is inoperative	Circuitry Bulb	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER article.
The vehicle pulls or drifts during braking	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear or incorrect inflation.
	Brake pads Brake components	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component Wheel alignment	CHECK wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
	Brake linings or discs contaminated with grease or oil	INSPECT the brake pads and discs for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear discs.
The brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level	INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system.
	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test in this article.
	Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic control unit (HCU)	INSPECT the ABS. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test in this article.
	Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic control unit (HCU)	INSPECT the ABS. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake component	CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to Parking Brake in this article.
	Anti-lock brake system (ABS)	CHECK the ABS. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system Air in system Disc brake caliper	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test in this article.
	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear.
	Brake pedal	CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
	Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic control unit (HCU)	INSPECT the ABS. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to Parking Brake in this article.
	Brake caliper guide pins	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in this article.
	Disc brake caliper	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Brake booster (vacuum boost)	CARRY OUT the brake booster component test in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test in this article.
Brakes drag - all 4 wheels (vehicles equipped with Hydro-Boost®)	Return hose Hydro-Boost® brake booster	CHECK the Hydro-Boost® brake booster-to-power steering fluid reservoir return hose for kinks or restrictions. INSTALL a new hose as necessary. If the hose is OK, INSTALL a new Hydro-Boost® brake booster. REFER to POWER BRAKE ACTUATION article.
Excessive brake pedal effort - vehicles equipped with vacuum boost	Insufficient engine vacuum for brake booster operation	CHECK engine vacuum. REFER to the Intake Manifold Vacuum Test in ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose	VERIFY engine vacuum at the booster. REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Brake booster	VERIFY engine vacuum at the booster. CARRY OUT the Brake Booster - Vacuum Boost Component Test in this article.
	Brake booster check valve	VERIFY engine vacuum at the booster. CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Check Valve Component Test in this article.
Excessive brake pedal effort - vehicles equipped with Hydro-Boost®	Insufficient power steering pressure for brake booster operation Hydro-Boost® brake booster	CARRY OUT the Pump Flow and Pressure Test in STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article Diagnosis and Testing.
	Leak in the hydraulic booster hoses or tubes	INSTALL new hoses or tubes as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers	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 in this article.
	Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs	CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Loose brake disc shield	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
Clicking noise - with the brakes applied with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) event	ABS hydraulic control unit	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or linings worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to Brake Pads in this article.
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or linings worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to Brake Pads in this article.
	Bent brake disc shield or material trapped between shield and rotor	INSPECT/REPAIR disc shield.
Moaning noise	Brake linings contaminated with grease or oil	INSPECT the brake pads for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad wear Brake disc pad transfer Brake disc Suspension components	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in Inspection and Verification in this article. Go to Pinpoint Test B .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in this article.
	Brake drag	INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.

Symptom Chart - Adjustable Pedal

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Adjustable brake pedal does not move	Switch Motor Circuits Cable	Go to Pinpoint Test C .
Adjustable brake pedal moves forward only	Circuitry Switch	Go to Pinpoint Test D .
Adjustable brake pedal moves rearward only	Circuitry Switch	Go to Pinpoint Test E .