Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always illuminated	Parking brake not fully released	RELEASE the parking brake. TEST the system for normal operation.
	Low brake fluid level	REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to diagnose the hydraulic brake system.
	Wiring, terminals or connectors	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), MESSAGE CENTER, & WARNING CHIMES article to diagnose the brake warning indicator circuit.
	Brake master cylinder inoperative	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test. REFER to Component Tests in BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
The parking brake does not apply	Parking brake cable out of adjustment	ADJUST the parking brake cable. REFER to Parking Brake Cable Adjustment . TEST the system for normal operation.
	Parking brake shoes out of adjustment	ADJUST the parking brake shoes. REFER to Parking Brake Shoe Adjustment . TEST the system for normal operation.
	Front cable RH cable LH cable Parking brake shoes and hardware Parking brake control	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
The parking brake will not release using the release handle	Parking brake control Parking brake shoes RH cable LH cable Front cable	Go to Pinpoint Test B .
The parking brake will not release using the automatic parking brake release	Vacuum tube(s) Vacuum switch Vacuum actuator Vacuum actuator lever Transmission selector lever Parking brake control	Go to Pinpoint Test C .