Symptom Chart(s)
Symptom Chart: Brake System
Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
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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 (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
The red brake warning indicator is always/never on |
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REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, Diagnosis and Testing). |
Vehicle pulls or drifts during braking |
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INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary. |
Tires |
REFER to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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Suspension component(s) and/or wheel alignment |
REFER to: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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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 (206-00 Brake System - General Information, General Procedures). |
ABS/ HCU |
REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force |
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INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary. |
ABS / HCU |
REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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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 Pressure Bleeding (206-00 Brake System - General Information, General Procedures). |
ABS/ HCU |
REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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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 (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). REFER to: Rear Brake Flexible Hose (206-04 Rear Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). |
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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 (206-06 Hydraulic Brake Actuation, Removal and Installation). |
ABS / HCU |
REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
|
Brake drag | Parking brake component |
INSPECT the parking brake system. REFER to: Brake System (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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INSPECT the brake system components. INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
ABS / HCU |
REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
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Stoplamp switch |
VERIFY correct installation of the stoplamp switch. REFER to: Stoplamp Switch (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation). |
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Excessive brake pedal effort | ABS/ HCU |
REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control, Diagnosis and Testing). |
Brake pads |
INSPECT the brake pads and, INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Brake Pads (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). REFER to: Brake Pads (206-04 Rear Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). |
Symptom Chart: NVH
Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
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Vibration when the brakes are applied |
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GO to Pinpoint Test A |
Brake vibration/shudder occurs when the brake pedal is released | Brake drag | REFER to Symptom Chart: Brake System |
Rattling noise |
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Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application | Brake pads | Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature. |
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal | Brake pads |
INSPECT the brake pads or shoes. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Brake Pads (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). REFER to: Brake Pads (206-04 Rear Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). |
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal | Brake pads | Acceptable condition. Caused by cold, heat, water, mud or snow. |
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping) | Brake pads | Acceptable condition. |
Grinding/moaning noise - continuous |
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INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs and
attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within
specifications. REFER to: Brake Pads (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). REFER to: Brake Pads (206-04 Rear Disc Brake, Removal and Installation). REFER to: Brake System (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing). INSTALL new components as necessary. |
Pinpoint Tests
Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Normal Operation and Fault Conditions During moderate to heavy braking, noise from the HCU and pulsation in the brake pedal can be observed. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise during heavy braking or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy surfaces is acceptable and indicates correct functioning of the ABS. Pedal pulsation or steering wheel nibble when the brakes are applied (frequency is proportioned to the vehicle speed) indicates a concern with a brake or suspension component. Possible Sources
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A1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - LIGHT BRAKING | ||||
Is there a vibration/shudder felt in the steering wheel, seat or brake pedal?
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A2 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - MODERATE TO HEAVY BRAKING | ||||
Is there a vibration/shudder?
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A3 CHECK ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) OPERATION | ||||
NOTE: During moderate to heavy braking, noise from the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and pulsation in the brake pedal can be observed. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise during heavy braking or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy surfaces is acceptable and indicates correct operation of the ABS. Pedal pulsation or steering wheel nibble with the frequency proportional to vehicle speed indicates a concern with a brake or suspension component.
Is the vibration/shudder only present on a wet, snowy or loose surface?
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A4 ISOLATE BRAKE VIBRATION | ||||
NOTE: This test step is not applicable to vehicles with drum-in-hat type parking brakes. For vehicles with drum-in-hat parking brakes, proceed to the next test step. For all other vehicles, apply the parking brake to identify if the problem is in the front or rear brake.
Is there a vibration/shudder?
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A5 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION | ||||
Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
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A6 CHECK THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS | ||||
Is the vibration/shudder present?
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A7 CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION | ||||
Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
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WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child restraint. Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an active airbag. If you must use a forward-facing child restraint in the front seat, move the seat upon which the child restraint is installed all the way back.