Symptom Chart - Brake System (Non-Hybrid Vehicles)

2007 Ford Escape Base, 2.3 Z, FWD, AutomaticSECTION Symptom Chart - Brake System (Non-Hybrid Vehicles)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SYMPTOM CHART - BRAKE SYSTEM (NON-HYBRID VEHICLES)

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 (IC)
  • Smart Junction Box (SJB)
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Brakes drag
  • Parking brake component
  • Incorrect brake shoe adjustment
  • Wheel cylinder(s)
  • Brake flexible hose
  • Brake caliper and/or guide pins
  • Brake booster
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder - Compensator Port Component Test in this article.
  • Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)
  • Stoplamp switch
  • VERIFY correct installation of the stoplamp switch. REFER to STOPLAMP SWITCH .
  • Brakes lock up under light brake pedal force
  • Brake calipers and/or guide pins
  • Wheel cylinders and/or brake hardware
  • Brake flexible hose
  • Brake pads/shoes
  • Brake discs/drums
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Vehicle pulls or drifts during braking
  • Brake calipers and/or guide pins
  • Wheel cylinders and/or brake shoe hardware
  • Brake flexible hose
  • Brake pads/shoes
  • Brake discs/drums
  • Tires
  • Suspension component(s) and/or wheel alignment
  • Brake pedal goes down fast or eases down slowly
  • Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test in this article.
  • HCU 
  • Excessive brake pedal travel (low/spongy pedal)
  • Brake fluid leaks and/or air in the system
  • Incorrect brake shoe adjustment
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test in this article.
  • Brake calipers and/or guide pins
  • Brake flexible hose
  • Erratic brake pedal travel
  • 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 SPECIFICATIONS .
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Excessive brake pedal effort
  • Insufficient vacuum for brake booster operation
  • Brake booster manifold vacuum hose
  • Brake booster
  • Brake booster check valve
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test in this article.
  • Brake pads
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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.
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