Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford RV Cutaway, 2002 Ford Econoline, 2002 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2002 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2002 Ford Cutaway. 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.	FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line.
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Circuitry. Instrument cluster.	Go To PINPOINT TEST A: RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ALWAYS ON . Go To PINPOINT TEST B: RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ALWAYS ON .
Red brake warning indicator inoperative	Circuitry. Bulb.	REFER to ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS -- GASOLINE & DIESEL .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure.	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
	Brake pads.	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake components.	CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component. Wheel alignment.	CHECK wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid 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 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 test.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads.	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake component.	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 - 4-WHEEL .
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system. Air in system. Disc brake caliper.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder 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 BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Disc brake caliper.	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to DISC & DRUM .
	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster test.
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster vacuum hose.	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Brake booster check valve.	CARRY OUT the Check Valve test.
	Brake booster source vacuum.	CHECK for vacuum at the vacuum source. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder test.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose.	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to DISC & DRUM .
	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 DISC & DRUM .
	Loose brake disc shield.	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to DISC & DRUM .
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with antilock 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 DISC & DRUM .
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 C: 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 DISC & DRUM .