Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Parking Brake (Diagnosis and Testing)

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the parking brake system to duplicate the condition.

2. Inspect to determine if one of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply:

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical

Electrical
  • Damaged parking brake control
  • Binding/damaged parking brake cables
  • Parking brake signal switch

3. If the inspection reveals obvious concern(s) that can be readily identified, service as necessary.

4. If concern(s) remains after the inspection, determine the symptoms. GO to Symptom Chart .

Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Parking Brake Will Not Apply
  • Parking brake control.
  • Parking brake cable.
  • Go To Pinpoint Test A .
  • Parking Brake Will Not Release
  • Parking brake cable.
  • Parking brake control.
  • Go To Pinpoint Test B .

Pinpoint Tests

PINPOINT TEST A: PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT APPLY

Test Step Result / Action to Take
A1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CABLES Yes

INSTALL a new parking brake cable as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

No

GO to A2 .
  • Raise and support the vehicle.
  • Inspect for broken or binding parking brake cables or broken guide clips.
  • Is there a parking brake cable concern?
A2 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL Yes

INSTALL a new parking brake lever. RESTORE vehicle and TEST the system for normal operation.

No

REPAIR the binding condition in the parking brake control. TEST the system for normal operation.
  • Operate the parking brake control.
  • Does the parking brake control operate smoothly?

PINPOINT TEST B: PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT RELEASE

Test Step Result / Action to Take
B1 CHECK PARKING BRAKE CONTROL Yes

GO to B2 .

No

INSTALL a new parking brake control.

RESTORE the vehicle and TEST the system for normal operation.
  • Raise and support the vehicle.
  • Release parking brake by pulling upward on hand lever and pushing release button.
  • Did parking brake release?
B2 CHECK PARKING BRAKE CABLES Yes

GO to B3 .

No

INSTALL new parking brake cables. RESTORE the vehicle and TEST the system for normal operation.
  • Loosen tensioner. Refer to Parking Brake Cable Tension Release in this section.
  • Move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL position.
  • Rotate rear wheels by hand.
  • Did rear wheels turn freely?
B3 CHECK REAR PARKING BRAKE LEVERS Yes

INSTALL a new parking brake lever. RESTORE vehicle and TEST the system for normal operation.

No

REPAIR or INSTALL a new rear brake component if worn or damaged. TEST the system for normal operation.
  • Disconnect parking brake levers one at a time.
  • Rotate wheel affected by disconnected parking brake lever.
  • Did wheel turn freely?
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