Symptom Chart: Brake System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Component Test. Refer to Component Tests
	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	Stoplamp switch	VERIFY correct installation of the stoplamp switch. REFER to: Stoplamp Switch .
	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
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition Component Test. Refer to Component Tests
	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 .
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 .
Erratic brake pedal travel	ABS	REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control .
Brake drag	Stoplamp switch	VERIFY correct installation of the stoplamp switch. REFER to: Stoplamp Switch .
	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 Brake Master Cylinder - Compensator Port Component Test. Refer to Component Tests
	Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)	REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control .
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 Brake Booster Component Test in this information. Refer to Component Tests
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake pads	INSPECT the brake pads. INSTALL new components as necessary.