Symptom Table - Brake System (Non-Hybrid Vehicles)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM TABLE - BRAKE SYSTEM (NON-HYBRID VEHICLES)

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator and the yellow ABS warning indicator are illuminated	DTCs in the ABS module	REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article to diagnose the ABS.
The red brake warning indicator is always/never on	Brake fluid level switch Parking brake switch Wiring, terminals or connectors Instrument Cluster (IC) Smart Junction Box (SJB) Vacuum sensor	REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER & WARNING CHIMES -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article to diagnose the red brake warning indicator.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component	REFER to PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM - PARKING BRAKE & ACTUATION article to diagnose the parking brake system.
	Brake caliper and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose	INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.
	Brake booster Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Compensator Port COMPONENT TESTS in this service information.
	Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)	REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article to diagnose the HCU.
Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force	Brake calipers and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose Brake pads Brake discs	INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.
Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force	ABS	REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article to diagnose the ABS.
Vehicle pulls or drifts during braking	Brake calipers and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose Brake pads Brake discs	INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.
	Tires	REFER to WHEELS & TIRES article to diagnose tire concerns.
	Suspension component(s) and/or wheel alignment	REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to diagnose suspension system.
Brake pedal goes down fast or eases down slowly	Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING in this service information.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder COMPONENT TESTS in this service information.
	HCU	REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article to diagnose the HCU.
Excessive brake pedal travel (low/spongy pedal)	Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING in this service information.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder COMPONENT TESTS in this service information.
	Brake calipers and/or guide pins	INSPECT the brake calipers and guide pins. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.
	Brake flexible hose	INSPECT the brake flexible hoses during brake application. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.
Erratic brake pedal travel	Brake pedal	INSPECT the brake pedal for binding, obstructions and correct installation. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake pedal fasteners for correct torque. REFER to Specifications in HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM ACTUATION article.
Erratic brake pedal travel	ABS	REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article to diagnose the ABS.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Insufficient vacuum for brake booster operation Brake booster manifold vacuum hose Brake booster Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster COMPONENT TESTS in this service information.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake pads	INSPECT the brake pads. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.