I recently purchased a new Ford product and was confronted with a problem of a “soft” or descending brake pedal when pressure is applied while the engine is running. Calling the dealer resulted in my being summoned to their establishment where it was suggested that this is a normal reaction to holding pressure on the brake pedal while the engine is running. For an hour’s wait they produced a TSB that they procured over the internet while I was waiting. This TSB explained that this brake pedal sinking under pressure was indeed normal. I am of an age where a sinking brake pedal indicated a master cylinder problem and attention should be given to it promptly. Has anyone else expeienced this in their Ford product. I am uneasy in the explanation I received and don’t like my brake pedal sinking to the floor boards under any condition.
Just for fun, call a couple of other dealers and ask them the same question that you asked the first dealer. I’m guessing you’ll get different answers. Also, if they gave you the TSB, could you post its number so that we can all take a better look at the text of the document?
Brake pedals should not sink as you hold your foot on the pedal. Period. I don’t give a darn what they managed to print.
Get everything fully documented. Then write to the NTSB. And check your state’s lemon laws. You can track them down on the JD Power website.
Also, try pumping the brakes and see what happens. If the pedal gets harder you may have an improperly bled system.
I’m not surprised that Ford has done this. The Explorer disaster of some years back made very clear Ford’s philosophy on safety. And their aggressive avoidance response when caught.
What, that a set of tires that caused problems at no higher rates on Explorers than any other vehicle they were put on was Ford’s fault? Really, the Firestone tires were the problem - anyone who thinks it was Ford’s problem needs to reexamine the problem.
Maybe instead of taking cheap shots we should look for the TSB?
I think Honda had the same issues popping up on the Accord and Odyssey awhile back, and said “normal” as well, IIRC (could be wrong)…
And Toyota does have the whole defect coverup problem as well…
So lets hold off on unjustified cheap shots without understanding the system, ok?
BTW, years back, Ford did something different on some models and put a little air valve in the brake pedal to aid in softer braking and to do a poor mans ABS pre-ABS… it helped rebound the pedal and helped the driver pulse the brakes. Silly little design, and caused all sorts of complaints about soft brake feel, but never actually caused any decreased braking performance… then there are all the soft pedal complaints they had with their adjustable pedals. There’s a distinct possibility that there is a softness in the pedal without the pedal descending to the floor. IF the OP is seeing it descend to the floor, that’s a problem - a little give may just be some funkiness in the design. I know my Ford’s pedal feels softer than my Toyota’s, but there is nothing wrong with it. And both feel spongy compared to that Nissan Altima I rented that had the most danged awful sensitive brakes. The lightest pressure and the brakes engaged so hard the seat belts would tension up and you’d slam forward against them…
It would be nice if manufacturers would sell us what we want and expect. Too bad Ford won’t at least give us what we used to get. The dealer can’t sell you what he doesn’t have. I wonder what source of alarm we will inadvertently buy next model year. Quality isn’t job one but it should be at least a three. Just because something was worse doesn’t mean that what we are stuck with is good.
I have also known Fords to have a softer brake feel to them. As long as the brakes are actually engaging correctly, it shouldn’t be a problem, although they should never go all the way to the floor.
An easy test would be to get them to let you drive another example of the same model next time you’re at the dealership. If there is indeed a difference, you should be able to show them.