Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. 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 on	Brake fluid level. Brake fluid leak.	If the fluid level is below the minimum level, CHECK the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. If the fluid level is below the minimum level, CHECK the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary.
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Parking brake switch. Brake fluid level switch. Circuitry. Instrument cluster. Smart junction box (SJB).	Go To PINPOINT TEST A: THE RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR IS ALWAYS ON
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure.	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
	Brake pads. Brake components.	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component. Wheel alignment.	CHECK the wheel alignment. RFFFR to SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level.	If the brake fluid level is below the minimum level, INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. Refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Air in system.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. Refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION TEST .
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. Refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION TEST .
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads.	INSPECT the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. Refer to BRAKE PADS .
	Brake pad contamination.	CHECK the brake pads for brake fluid, grease or oil on the linings. INSTALL new brake pads. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
	Brake components.	CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake component.	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to PARKING BRAKE .
	Anti-lock brake control system.	CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. Refer to ANTI-LOCK CONTROL
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Brake fluid leak. Air in system. Disc brake caliper.	If the brake fluid is below the minimum level, INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. Refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION TEST .
	Brake pads.	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear.
	Brake pedal.	CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component.	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to PARKING BRAKE .
	Brake caliper guide pins.	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
	Brake pad contamination.	CHECK the brake pads for brake fluid, grease or oil on the linings.
	Disc brake caliper.	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. RFFFR to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER .
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION TEST .
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER .
	Brake booster check valve.	CARRY OUT the CHECK VALVE .
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Adjustable Brake Pedal Is Inoperative/Does Not Operate Correctly - Without Memory	Adjustable pedal switch. Adjustable pedal motor. Circuitry.	Go To PINPOINT TEST B: ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL IS INOPERATIVE/DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY - WITHOUT MEMORY
Adjustable Brake Pedal Is Inoperative/Does Not Operate Correctly - With Memory	Memory set switch. Adjustable pedal switch. Adjustable pedal motor. Circuitry. Driver seat module (DSM).	Go To PINPOINT TEST C: ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL IS INOPERATIVE/DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY - WITH MEMORY
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad wear. Brake disc pad transfer.	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION .
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Brake disc. Suspension components.	Go To PINPOINT TEST D: VIBRATION WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins.	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Brake drag.	INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose.	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE
	Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers.	CHECK the caliper guide pins and retainers for lubrication and correct operation. LUBRICATE or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs.	CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anti-lock brake system (ABS)	ABS hydraulic control unit.	Acceptable condition.
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 or linings worn below minimum thickness.	INSPECT brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. Refer to BRAKE PADS .
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow	Brake pads.	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads.	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or linings worn below minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. Refer to BRAKE PADS .
Moaning noise	Brake linings contaminated with grease or oil.	INSPECT the brake pads for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .