Symptom Table - Brake System (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 (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) DTCs present in the ABS module 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.
	Pedal assembly	RETRIEVE and RECORD any ABS module DTCs, REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article. INSTALL new components as necessary.
	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.
	Pedal assembly	RETRIEVE and RECORD any ABS module DTCs, REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article. INSTALL new components as necessary.
	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.
Excessive brake pedal travel (low/spongy pedal)	Brake pedal assembly Brake booster Wiring terminals or connectors ABS	RETRIEVE and RECORD any ABS module DTCs, REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake pedal assembly Vacuum source Brake booster manifold vacuum hose Brake booster Brake booster check valve	RETRIEVE and RECORD any ABS module DTCs, REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) & STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (SCS) article. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake pads	INSPECT the brake pads. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION in this service information.