Pinpoint Test A : The Parking Brake Does Not Apply Or Does Not Hold Vehicle
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford EcoSport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to: Diagnostic Methods .
When the parking brake control is pulled, the parking brake equalizer pulls on both rear parking brake cables, which are attached to the parking brake actuators, and applies the brake shoes.
Possible Sources
- Parking brake control
- Parking brake cable(s)
- A1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL
- Pull up the parking brake control handle.
Does the parking brake control move?
Yes GO to A2. No GO to A3. - A2 INSPECT THE FOLLOWING PARKING BRAKE COMPONENTSNOTE: Have an assistant pull and release the parking brake to help isolate disconnected cables or cables that do not move.
- Parking brake control
- Front parking brake cable
- Rear parking brake cables and/or equalizer
- Rear brake shoes and/or hardware
Is any damage found or are any components disconnected?
Yes CONNECT the component(s) or INSTALL new parking brake component(s) as necessary. ADJUST the parking brake cables. Refer to: Parking Brake Cable Adjustment - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes . No VERIFY that the rear shoes and brake drums are within thickness specifications. If the rear shoes and drums are OK, Adjust the rear brake shoes. - A3 ISOLATE THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL AND FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE
- Disconnect the front parking brake cable from the rear parking brake cable equalizer.
- Pull up the parking brake control handle.
Does the parking brake control handle move?
Yes GO to A4. No INSTALL a new parking brake control or a new front parking brake cable as necessary. Refer to: Parking Brake Control . - A4 ISOLATE THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES
- Disconnect the rear parking brake cable from the rear extension cable at the affected wheel end(s).
- While holding the cable conduit, attempt to slide the cable inside the conduit.
Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?
Yes GO to A5. No INSTALL new rear parking brake cables. Refer to: Parking Brake Cable - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes . - A5 ISOLATE THE REAR EXTENSION CABLES
- Remove the brake drum on the affected wheel end(s).
- Disconnect the rear extension cable from the brake shoe actuator lever on the affected wheel end(s) and while holding the rear cable conduit, attempt to slide the rear cable inside the conduit.
Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?
Yes The parking brake system is operating normally at this time. The concern may have been cause by a seized or binding rear brake component. INSPECT the rear brake components. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. If the rear brake components are OK, CLEAN and LUBRICATE the brake backing plate. ADJUST the parking brake cables. Refer to: Parking Brake Cable Adjustment - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes . No INSTALL new rear extension cables as necessary and adjust the parking brake cables. ADJUST the parking brake cables. Refer to: Parking Brake Cable Adjustment - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes .