Symptom Chart

2009 Mercury Milan Premier, 3.0 1, AWDSECTION Symptom Chart
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. 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 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
  • Instrument cluster
  • Smart junction box (SJB)
  • The red brake warning indicator is inoperative
  • Circuitry
  • Instrument cluster
  • Missing controller area network (CAN) communication
  • 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 and drums 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
  • The brake pedal eases down slowly
  • Air in the system
 
  • Brake master cylinder
  • 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
 
  • Anti-lock brake control system
  • Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel
  • Leak in the hydraulic system
  • Air in the system
  • Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s)
 
  • Brake master cylinder
 
  • 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
 
  • Brake caliper guide pins
  • CHECK the caliper guide pins for correct operation. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
 
  • Disc brake caliper(s)
 
  • Brake booster
 
  • Brake master cylinder
  • Excessive brake pedal effort
  • Brake booster
 
  • Brake booster check valve
 
  • Brake booster manifold vacuum hose
  • REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
  • Vibration when the brakes are applied
  • Uneven brake pad wear
  • Brake disc pad transfer
  • Uneven brake disc wear
  • COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in Inspection and Verification in this section.
 
  • Suspension components
  • Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released
  • Brake caliper guide pins
 
  • Brake drag
  • INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper or brake caliper anchor plate as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
  • Adjustable brake pedal is inoperative/does not operate correctly - memory
  • Circuitry
  • Memory set switch
  • Adjustable pedal switch
  • Adjustable pedal potentiometer
  • Adjustable pedal motor
  • Driver seat module (DSM)
  • Rattling noise
  • Caliper mounting bolts loose
 
  • Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers
  • CHECK the caliper guide pins and retainers for correct operation. 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
  • 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
  • Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
  • Squealing noise - a continuous squeal
  • Brake pads worn below minimum thickness
  • INSPECT brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY 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 worn below minimum thickness
  • INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within specifications. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS .
  • Moaning noise
  • Brake pads contaminated with grease or oil
  • INSPECT the brake pads for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc 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.