Symptom Chart - Brake System

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Symptom Chart - Brake System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Symptom Chart - Brake System

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • The red brake warning indicator and the yellow ABS warning indicator are illuminated
  • DTCs in the ABS module
  • The red brake warning indicator is always/never on
  • Brake fluid level switch
  • Parking brake switch
  • Wiring, terminals or connectors
  • Instrument cluster
  • The brakes pull or drift
  • Tires
  • INSPECT the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
 
  • Brake pads
  • INSPECT the brake pads for contamination, uneven taper or excessive wear. REFER to Brake Pads .
 
  • Brake discs
  • INSPECT the brake discs and the hubs for contamination or damage, INSTALL new as necessary.
 
  • Brake calipers and/or guide pins
 
  • Suspension component and/or wheel alignment
  • Brake pedal goes down fast
  • Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system
  • INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
 
  • Brake master cylinder
 
  • Hydraulic control unit (HCU)
  • The brake pedal eases down slowly
  • Air in the system
 
  • Brake master cylinder
 
  • HCU
  • Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force
  • Brake pads
  • INSPECT the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear, REFER to Brake Pads .
 
  • Brake calipers and/or guide pins
 
  • Parking brake components
  • INSPECT the parking brake system. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to Parking Brake .
 
  • Anti-lock brake control system
  • Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel
  • Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system
 
  • Brake calipers and/or guide pins
 
  • Brake flexible hose
  • INSPECT the brake flexible hoses for swelling and damage. INSTALL new as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear disc brakes.
 
  • Brake master cylinder
 
  • Brake pads
  • INSPECT the brake pads for taper wear. REFER to Brake Pads .
 
  • Brake pedal
  • INSPECT the brake pedal for binding, obstructions and correct installation. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake pedal fasteners for correct torque. REFER to Specifications in HYDRAULIC BRAKE ACTUATION article.
 
  • Anti-lock brake control system
  • Brakes drag
  • Parking brake component
 
  • Brake caliper guide pins
  • INSPECT the caliper guide pins for correct operation. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins .
 
  • Disc brake caliper(s)
  • 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 (vacuum boost)
 
  • Brake master cylinder
  • Brakes drag - all 4 wheels (vehicles equipped with Hydro-Boost®)
  • Return hose
  • Hydro-Boost® brake booster
  • CHECK the Hydro-Boost® brake booster-to-power steering fluid reservoir return hose for kinks or restrictions. INSTALL a new hose as necessary. If the hose is OK, INSTALL a new Hydro-Boost® brake booster. REFER to POWER BRAKE ACTUATION article.
  • Brake pedal kickback - vehicles equipped with Hydro-Boost®
  • Incorrect power steering line installation at Hydro-Boost® brake booster
  • VERIFY that the power steering lines are correctly installed. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
 
  • Power steering fluid contamination
  • Hydro-Boost® brake booster
  • Excessive brake pedal effort - vehicles equipped with vacuum boost
  • Brake booster vacuum hose
  • REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
 
  • Brake booster check valve
  • Brake booster source vacuum
  • Brake booster
  • Excessive brake pedal effort - vehicles equipped with Hydro-Boost®
  • Insufficient power steering pressure for brake booster operation
  • Hydro-Boost® brake booster
 
  • Leak in the hydraulic booster hoses or tubes
  • INSTALL new hoses or tubes as necessary.
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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.