Symptom Chart(s)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Symptom Chart: Brake System
Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| The red brake warning indicator and the yellow ABS warning indicator are illuminated | Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the ABS | CHECK for ABS diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control . |
| The red brake warning indicator is always/never on | Brake fluid level switch Parking brake switch Wiring, terminals or connectors IPC BCM |
REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes . |
| Vehicle pulls or drifts during braking | Brake calipers and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose Brake pads Brake discs |
INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary. |
| Tires | REFER to: Wheels and Tires . | |
| Suspension component(s) and/or wheel alignment | REFER to: Suspension System . | |
| Brake pedal goes down fast or eases down slowly | Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system | INSPECT the system for visible signs of brake fluid leakage. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE BLEEDING . If no visible signs of leakage are found, INSPECT for brake master cylinder fluid leakage into the brake booster. If there is evidence of fluid in the brake booster, INSTALL a new brake master cylinder and brake booster. REFER to: Brake Master Cylinder . REFER to: Brake Booster . Also, for vehicles equipped with an EcoBoost engine, INSPECT for evidence of brake fluid in the vacuum tube. If there is evidence of brake fluid in the vacuum tube, INSTALL a new vacuum tube and brake vacuum pump. REFER to: Brake Vacuum Pump - 2.7L EcoBoost (238kW/324PS) . REFER to: Brake Vacuum Pump - 3.5L EcoBoost (272kW/370PS) . |
| Brake master cylinder | CARRY OUT the Component Test- Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition . | |
| HCU | REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control . | |
| Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal and bracket assembly. INSTALL a new brake pedal and bracket as necessary. REFER to: Brake Pedal and Bracket . | |
| Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force | Brake pads Brake flexible hose Brake disc Brake calipers and/or guide pins |
INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary. |
| ABS | REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control . | |
| Excessive brake pedal travel (low/spongy pedal) | Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system | INSPECT the system for visible signs of brake fluid leakage. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE BLEEDING . If no visible signs of leakage are found, INSPECT for brake master cylinder fluid leakage into the brake booster. If there is evidence of fluid in the brake booster, INSTALL a new brake master cylinder and brake booster. REFER to: Brake Master Cylinder . REFER to: Brake Booster . Also, for vehicles equipped with an EcoBoost engine, INSPECT for evidence of brake fluid in the vacuum tube. If there is evidence of brake fluid in the vacuum tube, INSTALL a new vacuum tube and brake vacuum pump. REFER to: Brake Vacuum Pump - 2.7L EcoBoost (238kW/324PS) . REFER to: Brake Vacuum Pump - 3.5L EcoBoost (272kW/370PS) . |
| Brake master cylinder | CARRY OUT the Component Test- Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition . | |
| Brake calipers and/or guide pins | INSPECT the brake calipers and guide pins. INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
| Brake flexible hose | INSPECT the brake flexible hoses during brake application. INSTALL a new brake hose as necessary. REFER to: Front Brake Flexible Hose . REFER to: Rear Brake Inner Flexible Hose . REFER to: Rear Brake Outer Flexible Hose . | |
| Erratic brake pedal travel | Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal for binding, obstructions and correct interface to booster rod. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake pedal fasteners for correct torque. REFER to: Brake Pedal and Bracket . |
| ABS | REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control . | |
| Brake drag | Parking brake component | INSPECT the parking brake system. INSTALL new components as necessary. |
| Brake caliper and/or guide pins Brake flexible hose Brake booster |
INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
| Brake master cylinder | CARRY OUT the Component Test- Brake Master Cylinder - Compensator Port . | |
| Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) | REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control . | |
| Stoplamp switch | 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 booster vacuum pump |
CARRY OUT the Component Test- Brake Booster . |
| Brake pads | INSPECT the brake pads. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Brake Pads . REFER to: Brake Pads - Vehicles Without: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) . REFER to: Brake Pads - Vehicles With: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) . |
Symptom Chart: NVH
Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration when the brakes are applied | Brake disc(s)/ Suspension components |
GO to Pinpoint Test A |
| Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released | Brake drag | REFER to Symptom Chart: Brake System in Symptom Chart(s) |
| Rattling noise | Caliper guide pins or guide pin bolts Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs Loose brake disc shield |
INSPECT the caliper guide pins and guide pin bolts. INSTALL new components as necessary. INSPECT the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to: Brake Disc Shield . REFER to: Brake Disc Shield . |
| 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 | INSPECT the brake pads. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Brake Pads . REFER to: Brake Pads - Vehicles Without: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) . REFER to: Brake Pads - Vehicles With: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) . |
| Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal | Brake pads | Acceptable condition. Caused by cold, heat, water, mud or snow. |
| Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping) | Brake pads | Acceptable condition. |
| Grinding/moaning noise - continuous | Brake pads Brake disc |
INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within specifications. INSTALL new components as necessary. |