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.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2005TAURUS SEL, 4D SEDANREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 316 (BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION)DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGBRAKE SYSTEMSYMPTOM CHART

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D Sedan

Symptom Chart

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. 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	Parking brake not fully released.	RELEASE the parking brake.
	Low brake fluid level.	FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line. INSPECT the hydraulic system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake warning indicator circuit malfunction.	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
	Brake master cylinder inoperative.	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
Red brake warning indicator inoperative	Circuitry. Bulb. Instrument cluster.	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.	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake components.	CHECK the brake lines, hoses, discs, and the hubs for damage. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Suspension component.	INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
	Wheel alignment.	CHECK the 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 component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
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 component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
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 & ACTUATION .
	Anti-lock brake system (ABS).	CHECK the ABS. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS .
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 component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
	Brake pads.	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	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. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
	Disc brake caliper.	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
	Drum brake component.	REPAIR or INSTALL new drum brake components as necessary. REFER to DRUM BRAKE .
	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
	Brake booster check valve.	CARRY OUT the Check Valve component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	REROUTE, REPAIR, or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose.	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications.
	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 for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
	Loose brake disc shield.	INSPECT the disc brake shields. REPAIR as necessary.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied and anti-lock brake system (ABS) engaged	ABS hydraulic control unit.	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads/shoes.	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad/shoe temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads/shoes for excessive wear, taper wear, or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads/shoes 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 shoes worn below minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads/shoes, brake discs/drums, and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY the brake pads/shoes are within minimum specifications. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS .
Moaning noise	Brake linings 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 for front disc brakes, REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes, or DRUM BRAKE for rear drum brakes.
Vibration when brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad wear. Brake disc pad transfer. Brake disc. Brake drum.	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION .
Vibration when brakes are applied	Suspension components.	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
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 for front disc brakes, REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes, or DRUM BRAKE for rear drum brakes.

RENDER: 1.0x

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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.