"Brake System Malfunction" in Ford EcoSport - Why Do I See This?

Without a braking system in cars, driving would be impractical. The brake system controls the slowing down and stopping of a vehicle. Yet the brake system in cars sometimes malfunctions, and modern cars have a way of letting us know about it. A malfunctioning brake system could harm you, your passengers, and other road users.

Brake system malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:dying battery, brake switch problems, low brake fluid level
• How to fix:check the battery, check if brake switch works, check the brake fluid level
• Possible consequences:you may lose the brakes
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$450

Causes Of the Ford EcoSport's Brake System Malfunction

The brake system malfunction error or warning message signifies a problem with the physical braking system. This error differs from the anti-lock brake malfunction, which has its own Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light. The brake system malfunction message may manifest as "Brake system malfunction Stop safely" or "Check brake system," depending on the model.

Before we dive into the causes of brake system failure, we must warn you against driving your EcoSport if the brake system is malfunctioning. Driving a car with a malfunctioning brake system can have dangerous or fatal consequences.

With that said, here are the likely causes of the brake malfunction warning:

1) Low Brake Fluid

An issue with brake fluid is one of the common causes of the brake malfunction warning light in the Ford EcoSport and, indeed, other cars. Brake fluid is a vital fluid for the braking system. Specifically, brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that assists the vehicle in stopping safely and smoothly when you hit the brake pedal.

Your EcoSport's brake system will not function well without adequate brake fluid. Thus, the inadequacy of the brake fluid could trigger the brake system malfunction warning.

So, if there is a brake system malfunction in your EcoSport, we recommend checking the brake fluid to see if it is low. If the brake fluid is down, you should top it up. You can get a mechanic to inspect the car or do it yourself. If you will be doing it yourself, here are the steps to check and top up your EcoSport's brake fluid:

• Open the hood of your EcoSport
• Locate the braking fluid master cylinder and its cap. The 2003 and 2012 generations of the Ford EcoSport have the brake fluid cap and cylinder at the back of the engine compartment on the driver's side. The brake fluid cap has bright yellow inscriptions on a dark background. The master cylinder or reservoir for brake fluid is white. Consult the vehicle manual if you cannot locate the brake fluid cap.
• Clean the top of the cap with a rag before opening it. A bit of dust can damage the seals on the brake fluid master cylinder.
• Unscrew the brake fluid cylinder cap. Avoid spillage because brake fluid is corrosive and can damage other parts.
• Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. The brake fluid level should come within half an inch of the cap. The brake fluid container has the max and min levels inscribed for accurate measurement. As such, the brake fluid should not exceed the maximum limit or fall below the min line.
• Top the brake fluid up if it is below the full or max line. If you cannot see the max line, top it up to a quarter of an inch of the cap. Further, remember to use only fluid from a new unsealed container. Also, ensure you are using the correct fluid for the EcoSport. You will find the recommendation for the type of brake fluid for your car written in bright yellow on the top of the cap. Consult your car's manual if you cannot find the inscription on the lid or see it. Using incorrect fluid can damage the braking system.
• Screw on the brake fluid cap after adding the fluid.

Besides low brake fluid, contaminated or expired fluid can cause the brake system to malfunction. The brake fluid is usually a transparent color. Sometimes, the brake fluid is dyed to have a blue, green, or slight orange tint. If the brake fluid is murky or dark, replace it. For help changing brake fluid, contact your mechanic.

2) Leaking Brake Fluid

We have already established the importance of brake fluid in a car. Also, we know that low brake fluid can lead to a brake system malfunction warning in the EcoSport. A reason why the brake fluid might be low besides depletion with usage is a leak. A worn or damaged seal in the master cylinder, wheel cylinder, or caliper is a common source of brake fluid leaks. If you notice leaks in the parts mentioned above or over the brake pads and shoes or find yourself topping up now and then, there might be a brake fluid leak. Consult your mechanic to help you identify and fix the leak.

It is better to fix the leak as soon as possible instead of managing the situation by topping up repeatedly. Brake fluid leaks can get more severe and cause brake failure if you do not repair them.

3) Worn-Out Brake Pads

Brake pads help slow down a car when you hit the brake pedal. Whenever you press the brake pedal, it sends a signal to the brake pads. The received signal tells the brake pads to press down on the rotors or discs, creating friction that slows down the car. Over time the EcoSport's brake pads will wear out as you use the brakes. This wearing of the brake pad can trigger the brake system malfunction warning.

If the brake pads wear out, your EcoSport may not slow down as well as you need it to when you press the brake. Thus, your EcoSport may be unable to stop quickly in an emergency. Also, worn brake pads can damage other parts of the brake system, like the calipers and rotors. So, the dangers a worn brake pad poses to you, others, and the brake system are significant.

Symptoms of a worn brake pad in your EcoSport include:

• Squealing or squeaking sounds emanating from the brakes. Also, you might hear grinding sounds when you hit the brakes
• It takes longer for your EcoSport to stop when you hit the brakes
• Noticeable vibrations when you use the brakes

Generally, diagnosing a problem with the brake pad is more complex than low brake fluid. For help replacing the brake pads, you should consult your mechanic.

4) Damaged Calipers or Wheel Cylinders

Another possible cause of the brake system malfunction is a problem with the Ford EcoSport's calipers or wheel cylinders. The wheel cylinders and calipers are critical to the brake system. The wheel cylinders and calipers help stop/slow down the car when you apply the car's brakes.

The wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the drum after you apply the brakes. On the other hand, the caliper moves the brake pad closer to the rotor when you use the brakes. That process creates the friction necessary to slow down the car. So, suppose the wheel cylinder or calipers suffer damage. In that case, your Ford EcoSport's brake system will fail, triggering the brake system malfunction message.

We recommend consulting a car mechanic to diagnose and solve issues with the calipers or wheel cylinders.

5) Engaged Emergency/Parking Brake

Another thing that could cause the brake system malfunction warning is engaging the parking brake while trying to drive. The primary purpose of the emergency brake is to keep the car stationary when you park. The parking brake is handy when you park on a slope. That said, the emergency brake is different from the brake system. You can also use the parking brake to stop a vehicle safely in emergencies. So, disengage the emergency brake should you want to drive. Doing otherwise might trigger the brake system malfunction warning.

If you notice the brake malfunction warning, check that the emergency brake is not engaged. Suppose you engaged the emergency brake. Release it by pressing the brake pedal down, and simultaneously press the button on the emergency brake and push it down. Also, put the car in park before you release the emergency brake.

It is worth pointing out that more than one thing may be contributing to the malfunctioning of the brake system. Moreover, diagnosing and fixing each one can be difficult. Thus, outside of checking the brake fluid level and the emergency brake engagement, we recommend consulting your mechanic for help with the brake system malfunction.

Conclusion

Your Ford EcoSport's brake system malfunction message is critical to the safety and drivability of your car. Do not ignore or attempt to manage this warning message. When a brake system malfunction occurs, check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary. If the brake fluid is not low, consult your mechanic for help diagnosing and fixing the particular issue or issues that might have triggered the brake system malfunction.

Also, regular maintenance and servicing of your car will help reduce the chances of your Ford EcoSport's braking system malfunctioning.