Symptom Chart: Parking Brake and Actuation

Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.

REFER to: DIAGNOSTIC METHODS .

Check the operation of the parking brake system with the vehicle on a hoist and the parking brake control fully released. Check for damaged cables and install new components as necessary.

The first indication that something may be wrong in the parking brake system is a change in the feeling through the parking brake control. The parking brake not holding on an incline or dragging after being released are also indicators of system concerns.

• Verify the customer concern.
• Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
• If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause.
• If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and go to the SYMPTOM CHART  below.

  Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
  The red brake warning indicator is always illuminated	Parking brake not fully released Low brake fluid level Wiring, terminals or connectors Brake master cylinder inoperative	REFER to: INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER AND WARNING CHIMES .
  The parking brake does not apply/hold vehicle	Rear brake shoes out of adjustment	VERIFY rear brake shoe adjustment, ADJUST as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT .
  	Parking brake cable(s) Parking brake control Rear brake caliper(s) Parking brake cable equalizer Rear brake shoes and/or hardware	GO to PINPOINT TEST A
  The parking brake will not release	Parking brake cable(s) Parking brake control Rear brake caliper(s) Parking brake cable equalizer Rear brake shoes and/or hardware	GO to PINPOINT TEST B