Symptom Chart

2007 Ford Fusion SEL, 2.3 Z, StandardSECTION Symptom Chart
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. 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
  • Brake fluid level
  • FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line.
  • Circuitry
  • Instrument cluster
  • Red brake warning indicator inoperative
  • Circuitry
  • Bulb
  • The brakes pull or drift
  • Tire air pressure
  • CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
  • Brake pads
  • Brake components
  • CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
 
  • CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Suspension component
  • 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 the system
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
  • The brake pedal eases down slowly
  • Air in system
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
  • 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 .
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel
  • Leak in the hydraulic system
  • Air in the system
  • Disc brake caliper
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component 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 .
  • Brake caliper guide pins
  • Disc brake caliper
  • 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
  • Adjustable pedal motor
  • Circuitry
  • Adjustable pedal motor cables
  • Manual switch
  • Rattling noise
  • Caliper mounting bolts loose
  • 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
  • Loose brake disc shield
  • Clicking noise - with brakes applied with 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 the brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS .
  • 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 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 the brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS .
  • Moaning noise
  • Brake linings contaminated with grease or oil
  • 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.
 
  • Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released
  • Brake caliper guide pins
  • Brake drag
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.