ford Workshop Repair Guides

Ford Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

ABOUT US
Diagnosis and Testing|Removal and Installation > < Parking Brake

Cougar 1999 (08.1998-01.2001)

Parking Brake and Actuation - Parking Brake Cougar 1999 (08/1998-01/2001)
Diagnosis and Testing

Inspection and Verification

  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the parking brake system to duplicate the condition.
  1. Inspect and determine if one of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply:

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical Electrical
  • Parking brake control
  • Cable and conduit
  1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  1. If the concern is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Symptom Chart

Symptom Chart

Symptom Possible Sources Action
The parking brake will not engage
*
Parking brake control.
*
Cable and conduit.
*
GO to Pinpoint Test A.
The parking brake will not release
*
Cable and conduit.
*
Parking brake control.
*
GO to Pinpoint Test B.

Pinpoint Tests

PINPOINT TEST A : THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT APPLY
TEST CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
A1: CHECK FOR MISADJUSTED REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE
1
Operate the parking brake control several times to adjust the cable.

Does the parking brake now apply correctly?
Yes
Vehicle OK.
No
GO to A2.
A2: CHECK FOR WORN BRAKE PADS
1
Inspect the brake pads for excessive wear. REFER to Section  206-00 Brake System - General Information.

Are the brake pads OK?
Yes
GO to A3.
No
INSTALL new brake pads. TEST the system for normal operation.
A3: CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARKING BRAKE CABLES
1
Inspect the parking brake cables and conduit for damage, rust or fraying.

Are the parking brake cables and conduits OK?
Yes
CHECK for other causes such as loose parking brake control or conventional brake system components.
No
REPAIR or INSTALL new cables and conduit as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

PINPOINT TEST B : THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT RELEASE
TEST CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
B1: CHECK PARKING BRAKE CONTROL
1
Raise and support the vehicle on a lift with the parking brake fully applied. REFER to Section  100-02 Jacking and Lifting.
  • Release the parking brake by pulling upwards on the control lever and pushing the release button.

Did the parking brake release?
Yes
CHECK for other causes such as conventional brake system components, REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary.
No
GO to B2.
B2: CHECK PARKING BRAKE CABLES
1
Loosen the parking brake cable tension.
  • Rotate the rear wheels by hand.

Did the rear wheels turn freely?
Yes
INSTALL a new parking brake control. Refer to the procedures in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B3.
B3: CHECK FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE
1
Disconnect the parking brake front cable and conduit from the rear brake cable and conduit at the equalizer.
  • Rotate the rear wheels by hand.

Did the rear wheels turn freely?
Yes
INSTALL a new front parking brake cable and conduit.
REFER to Cable and Conduit - Parking Brake in this section.
TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B4.
B4: CHECK REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES
1
Disconnect the parking brake at the rear brakes, one at a time.
  • Rotate the wheel affected by the disconnected parking brake

Did the wheel turn freely?
Yes
INSTALL a new caliper assembly. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
REFER to Section  206-00 Brake System - General Information.

Diagnosis and Testing|Removal and Installation > < Parking Brake