Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module	Circuitry ABS module	REFER to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article to diagnose the no communication problem.
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Circuitry Brake fluid level switch Parking brake switch Instrument cluster Anti-lock brake system (ABS) module	Go to Pinpoint Test B .
The red brake warning indicator is never on	Bulb Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER article.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION article.
	Brake caliper guide pins	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	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 master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brakes are in manual mode	CARRY OUT the ABS module self-test. RECORD the DTCs. REFER to the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module Diagnostic Trouble Coded (DTC) Index.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied and anti-lock brake system (ABS) engaged	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 worn below minimum thickness	NOTE: The rear brake pads wear at approximately twice the rate of the front brake pads. INSPECT the brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads are within the minimum specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads worn below minimum thickness	NOTE: The rear brake pads wear at approximately twice the rate of the front brake pads. INSPECT the brake pads for excessive wear taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads are within the minimum specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
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.
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 FRONT DISC BRAKE article.
	Brake drag	NOTE: The rear brake pads wear at approximately twice the rate of the front pads. 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.