Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. 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. Parking brake. Circuit. Instrument cluster.	FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line. CHECK that the parking brake is fully released. REFER to INFORMATION, GAUGES & WARNING DEVICES .
Red brake warning indicator inoperative	Circuit. Bulb.	REFER to INFORMATION, GAUGES & WARNING DEVICES .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure. Brake pads. Brake components. Suspension component. Wheel alignment.	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation. CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level. Air in system. Brake master cylinder.	INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER Component Test.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system. Brake master cylinder.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER Component Test.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads. Brake component. Parking brake component. Anti-lock brake control system.	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE . CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to ANTI-LOCK CONTROL .
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system. Air in system. Disc brake caliper. Brake master cylinder. Brake pads. Brake pedal.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER Component Test. CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear. CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component. Brake caliper guide pins. Disc brake caliper. Brake booster. Brake master cylinder.	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE . REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS . REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to Front Disc Brake or REAR DISC BRAKE . CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER Component Test. CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER Component Test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster. Brake booster. Brake booster check valve. Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER Component Test. CARRY OUT the CHECK VALVE Component Test. REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose. Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers. Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs. Loose brake disc shield.	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE . 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 . CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE . TIGHTEN the brake disc shield to specification. refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anti-lock brake control system	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 .
Adjustable brake pedal is inoperative/does not operate correctly - non-memory	Adjustable brake pedal motor. Cable(s). Adjustable brake pedal switch. Foreign object. Circuit(s).	Go To PINPOINT TEST A .
Manual switch does not move the adjustable pedals - memory is functional	Switch. Circuit(s).	Go to PINPOINT TEST B .
The adjustable pedal memory function does not operate - manual switch commands functional	Driver seat module (DSM). Circuit(s).	Go To PINPOINT TEST C .
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad wear. Brake disc pad transfer. Brake disc. Suspension components.	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION . Go To PINPOINT TEST F .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins. Brake drag.	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS . INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. Refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .