Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE

HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2005TAURUS SEL, 4D SEDANREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBRAKESTRACTION CONTROLBRAKE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATIONDIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGBRAKE SYSTEMSYMPTOM CHART

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D Sedan

Symptom Chart

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Brake fluid level.	FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line.
	Parking brake.	Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
	Circuitry.	CARRY OUT CAN diagnostics.
	Controller area network (CAN) communication system.	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
	Instrument cluster.
	Smart junction box (SJB).
The red brake warning indicator is inoperative	Circuitry. Instrument cluster. Missing controller area network (CAN) communication.	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure.	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
	Brake pads or shoes.	CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake components.
		CHECK the brake discs, the drums, and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component.	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Wheel alignment.
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 - BYPASS CONDITION TEST .
The brake pedal goes down slowly	Air in system.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
The brake pedal goes down slowly	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - BYPASS CONDITION TEST .
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads and shoes.	CHECK the brake pads and shoes 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 & ACTUATION .
	Anti-lock brake control system.	CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to ANTI-LOCK CONTROL .
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Air in system.
	Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s).
	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 & ACTUATION .
	Brake caliper guide pins.	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals, and boots. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s).	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE or DRUM 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 BRAKE BOOSTER .
	Brake booster check valve.	CARRY OUT CHECK VALVE .
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	REROUTE, REPAIR, or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad or brake shoe wear.	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION .
	Brake disc pad transfer.
	Brake disc or drum.
	Suspension components.	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
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 and shoes for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper or wheel cylinder as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE or DRUM 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 .
	Loose brake disc shield.	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE .
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anti-lock brake system (ABS) brakes	ABS hydraulic control unit.	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or shoes worn below the minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads and shoes are within the minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS and BRAKE SHOES .
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud, or snow	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or shoes worn below the minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes, brake drums, and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY the brake components are within specifications. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS .
Moaning noise	Brake pads or shoes contaminated with grease or oil.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE or REAR DISC BRAKE or DRUM BRAKE .

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready Tools Free Quote Check Quote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.