Symptom Chart: Brake System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 .
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 Wheel cylinders and/or brake shoe hardware Brake flexible hose Brake pads/shoes Brake discs/drums	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 leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to: Brake System Pressure Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Component Test - Brake Master Cylinder - Bypass Condition .
	HCU	REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control .
Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force	Brake pads/shoes Brake flexible hose Brake discs/drums Brake calipers and/or guide pins Wheel cylinders and/or brake shoe hardware	INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force	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 leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to: Brake System Pressure Bleeding .
	Incorrect brake shoe adjustment	REFER to: Brake Shoe Adjustment .
	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: Front Brake Flexible Hose - RS . REFER to: Rear Brake Flexible Hose . REFER to: Rear Brake Flexible Hose Drum Brake .
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	Parking brake component	INSPECT the parking brake system. REFER to: Parking Brake .
	Incorrect brake shoe and/or parking brake cable adjustment Wheel cylinder(s) 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 .
	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 .
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake pads/shoes	INSPECT the brake pads and, if equipped, the brake shoes. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Front Brake Pads . REFER to: Front Brake Pads - RS . REFER to: Rear Brake Pads . REFER to: Rear Brake Pads - RS . REFER to: Brake Shoes .