Symptom Chart: Brake System

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to ENGINE CONTROLS - DIAGNOSTIC METHODS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
The red brake warning indicator and the yellow ABS warning indicator are illuminated	DTCs in the ABS module	REFER to DTC CHART: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE 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)	REFER to: DIAGNOSTIC ROUTINE L : The Brake Warning Indicator is Always On, or DIAGNOSTIC ROUTINE K : The Brake Warning Indicator is Never On to diagnose the red brake warning indicator.
Vehicle pulls or drifts during braking	Brake calipers and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose Brake pads Brake discs Tires Suspension component(s) and/or wheel alignment	INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to Brake System Inspection . REFER to SYMPTOM CHART(S) . REFER to SYMPTOM CHART: SUSPENSION SYSTEM or REFER to CAMBER ADJUSTMENT - FRONT .
Brake pedal goes down fast or eases down slowly	Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system Brake master cylinder HCU	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Component Test. REFER to Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition . REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND STABILITY CONTROL .
Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force	Brake pads Brake flexible hose Brake disc Brake calipers and/or guide pins ABS	INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to Brake System Inspection . REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND STABILITY CONTROL .
Excessive brake pedal travel (low/spongy pedal)	Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system Brake master cylinder Brake calipers and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Component Test. REFER to Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition . INSPECT the brake calipers and guide pins. REFER to Brake System Inspection . INSPECT the brake flexible hoses during brake application. REFER to Brake System Inspection .
Erratic brake pedal travel	Brake pedal ABS	INSPECT the brake pedal for binding, obstructions and correct connection to booster rod. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake pedal fasteners for correct torque. REFER to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND STABILITY CONTROL .
Brake drag	Parking brake component Brake caliper and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose Brake booster Brake master cylinder HCU Stoplamp switch	REFER to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION to diagnose the parking brake system. INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to Brake System Inspection . CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Compensator Port Component Test. REFER to Brake Master Cylinder - Compensator Port . REFER to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND STABILITY CONTROL . VERIFY correct installation of the stoplamp switch. REFER to STOPLAMP SWITCH .
Excessive brake pedal effort	Insufficient vacuum for brake booster operation Brake booster manifold vacuum hose Brake booster Brake booster check valve Brake pads	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test. REFER to Brake Booster . INSPECT the brake pads. REFER to Brake System Inspection .