Symptom Chart: Brake System
Diagnostics in this article 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 - VEHICLES BUILT UP TO: 03-JUNE-2013 . |
| The red brake warning indicator is always/never on |
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REFER to: INSTRUMENT PANEL AND INTERIOR SWITCHES ILLUMINATION . |
| Vehicle pulls or drifts during braking |
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INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION . 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 leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . |
| Brake master cylinder | CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION COMPONENT TEST . | |
| HCU | REFER to: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND STABILITY CONTROL - VEHICLES BUILT UP TO: 03-JUNE-2013 . | |
| Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal simulator spring, cam and interface-to-booster. INSTALL a new brake pedal and bracket as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE PEDAL AND BRACKET . |
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| Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force |
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INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION . INSTALL new components as necessary. |
| ABS | REFER to: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND STABILITY CONTROL - VEHICLES BUILT UP TO: 03-JUNE-2013 . | |
| Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal simulator spring, cam and interface-to-booster. INSTALL a new brake pedal and bracket as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE PEDAL AND BRACKET . |
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| Excessive brake pedal travel (low/spongy pedal) | Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system | INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . |
| Brake master cylinder | CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION COMPONENT TEST . | |
| Brake calipers and/or guide pins | INSPECT the brake calipers and guide pins. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION . INSTALL new components as necessary. |
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| 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 FLEXIBLE HOSE . |
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| Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal simulator spring, cam and interface-to-booster. INSTALL a new brake pedal and bracket as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE PEDAL AND BRACKET . |
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| 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 - VEHICLES BUILT UP TO: 03-JUNE-2013 . | |
| Brake drag | Parking brake component | INSPECT the parking brake system. REFER to: PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR MOTOR . |
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INSPECT the brake system components. REFER to: BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION . INSTALL new components as necessary. |
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| Brake master cylinder | CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - COMPENSATOR PORT COMPONENT TEST . | |
| Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) | REFER to: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND STABILITY CONTROL - VEHICLES BUILT UP TO: 03-JUNE-2013 . | |
| Stoplamp switch | VERIFY correct installation of the stoplamp switch. REFER to: STOPLAMP SWITCH . |
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| Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal simulator spring, cam and interface-to-booster. INSTALL a new brake pedal and bracket as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE PEDAL AND BRACKET . |
|
| Excessive brake pedal effort |
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CHECK for ABS diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). REFER to: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND STABILITY CONTROL - VEHICLES BUILT UP TO: 03-JUNE-2013 . |
| Brake pedal | INSPECT the brake pedal simulator spring, cam and interface-to-booster. INSTALL a new brake pedal and bracket as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE PEDAL AND BRACKET . |
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| Brake pads | INSPECT the brake pads. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: BRAKE PADS . REFER to: BRAKE PADS . |