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, INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake switch Brake fluid level switch Circuitry Instrument cluster Smart junction box (SJB)	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear. CORRECT the tire 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. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
The brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level	If the brake fluid level is below the minimum level, INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this section.
	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component 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 Specifications.
	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 article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	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 AND ACTUATION article.
	Anti-lock brake control system	CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
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. REPAIR as necessary. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this section.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear. INSTALL new brake pads as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	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 AND ACTUATION article.
	Brake caliper guide pins	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins.
	Brake pad contamination	CHECK the brake pads for brake fluid, grease or oil on the linings. Install new brake pads as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Disc brake caliper	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test.
	Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the Check Valve Component Test.
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
The adjustable brake pedal is inoperative/does not operate correctly - without memory	Fuse Adjustable pedal switch Adjustable pedal motor Circuitry	Go to Pinpoint Test B .
The 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 .
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 D .
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 FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Brake drag	INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	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 FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
	Missing or damaged spring clips	CHECK the brake pads for missing or broken spring clips. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
Clicking noise - with the brakes applied with the 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 Specifications.
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 the 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 Specifications.
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 article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.