Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

WARNING: BRAKE FLUID CONTAINS POLYGLYCOL ETHERS AND POLYGLYCOLS. AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER HANDLING. IF BRAKE FLUID CONTACTS EYES, FLUSH EYES WITH RUNNING WATER FOR 15 MINUTES. MEDICAL ATTENTION IF IRRITATION PERSISTS. IF TAKEN INTERNALLY, DRINK WATER AND INDUCE VOMITING. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.

CAUTION: Do not spill brake fluid onto painted surfaces. If spilled, wipe up immediately.

NOTE: Always check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder before performing the test procedures. If the fluid level is not at the correct level, add Ford High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or DOT3 equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.

NOTE: Prior to performing any diagnosis, make certain that the brake warning indicator is functional.

The first indicator that something may be wrong in the brake system is a change in the feeling through the brake pedal. The brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster and the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir are also indicators of a malfunction.

Perform a visual inspection checking the following:
- Brake master cylinder
- Disc brake rotors and drums
- Wheel bearings
- Brake pads/shoes and linings
- Power brake booster
- Brake pedal linkage
- Parking brake switch
- Damaged or corroded wiring harness
- Brake master cylinder fluid level switch