I have a 2009 Ford Fusion 4 cyl. SE It has been sitting 4...
Responses
DanielP121
241 days ago
Hi and welcome to Just Answer! My name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I will be the expert to assist you today. I’m sorry you’re having trouble with your vehicle; I know how frustrating it can be. Please understand I do not know your level of automotive expertise so I may need to ask questions to find out information in order to provide the best possible service and solution.
There are times when it may take me a moment to respond because I may have to look up information about your concern. I appreciate your patience.
It sounds like the Parking Brake Cables may have "Frozen", has it been very cold where you are? The reason it moves in Reverse is the [Transmission](/topics-transmission-ford/) Pressures are much higher in reverse so it will overcome the resistance of the brake.
DanielP121
241 days ago
Below are the steps for testing the Parking Brake. I wish you the utmost success with the repair. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance with this. Have a safe and prosperous new year!
**Principles of Operation**
**[Parking Brake System](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/3078/filter/)**
The parking brake system is cable-actuated and controlled by an independent, hand-operated [parking brake control](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/837/filter/) that is not self adjusting. The parking brake system is actuated when the parking brake control is pulled up. When the parking brake control is pulled, tension is applied to the front [parking brake cable](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/583/filter/). This tension pulls on both rear parking brake cables, which are attached to the [brake caliper](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/279/filter/) parking brake actuators and apply the [brake pad](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/21/filter/)s. When the parking brake release button is pressed and the brake control is released, the return springs on the brake calipers and the parking brake control return the system to the released position.
**Inspection and Verification**
**NOTE:** _Prior to carrying out any diagnosis, make sure the red brake warning indicator is functional. Refer to [Section 413-01](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-413-01_html)._
The first indication that something may be wrong in the brake system is a change in the feeling through the parking brake control. The parking brake not holding on an incline or dragging after being released are also indicators of system concerns.
Check the operation of the parking brake system with the vehicle on a hoist and the parking brake control fully released. Check for any damaged cables and install new components as necessary. Carry out the brake system diagnosis.
1. Verify the customer concern.
1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
**Visual Inspection Chart**
Mechanical
- Front [parking brake cable and conduit](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/583/filter/)
- Parking brake control
- Parking brake equalizer
- Rear brake calipers
- Rear parking brake cables and conduits
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 cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to [Symptom Chart](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23sc1).
**Symptom Chart**
onditionPossible SourcesAction
- The red brake warning indicator is always/never on
- Brake fluid level switch
- [Parking brake switch](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/551/filter/)
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Instrument cluster
- Smart Junction Box (SJB)
- REFER to [Section 413-01](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-413-01_html)to diagnose the red brake warning indicator.
- Rear brakes drag
- Parking brake cables out of adjustment
- ADJUST the parking brake cables. REFER to [Parking Brake Cable Adjustment](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s5p8617q0_html)in this section.
- Parking brake component(s)
- INSPECT the parking brake system for corrosion, rust or kinked cables. REPAIR or INSTALL new parking brake components as necessary.
- Rear brake caliper guide pins
- INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in [Section 206-00](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-00_html).
- Brake caliper
- INSPECT the brake caliper. REFER to Brake Caliper in [Section 206-00](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-00_html).
- [Brake booster](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/288/filter/)
- CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test. REFER to Diagnosis and Testing in [Section 206-00](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-00_html).
- [Brake master cylinder](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/275/filter/)
- CARRY OUT the Brake [Master Cylinder](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/275/filter/) Component Test. REFER to Diagnosis and Testing in [Section 206-00](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-00_html).
- The parking brake will not apply
- Parking brake control
- Parking brake cables
- Parking brake rear wheel components
- [GO to Pinpoint Test A](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23ps2-a).
- The parking brake will not release
- Parking brake cables
- Parking brake control
- Parking brake rear wheel components
- [GO to Pinpoint Test B](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23ps2-b).
**Pinpoint Tests**
**Pinpoint Test A: The Parking Brake Will Not Apply**
**Normal Operation**
The parking brake system is cable-actuated and controlled by an independent, hand-operated parking brake control that is not self adjusting. The parking brake system is actuated when the parking brake control is pulled up. When the parking brake control is pulled, tension is applied to the front parking brake cable. This tension pulls on both rear parking brake cables, which are attached to the brake caliper parking [brake actuator](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/vehicle/45553/component/2050/filter/)s and apply the brake pads.
**This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:**
- Parking brake control
- Parking brake cables
- Rear brake calipers
**PINPOINT TEST A : THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT APPLY**
**A1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL**
- Apply the parking brake control.
**Does the parking brake control move?**
**Yes** GO to [A2](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23a2).
**No** GO to [A3](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23a3).
**A2 CHECK FOR BROKEN CABLES**
- **NOTE:** _Have an assistant apply and release the parking brake control to help isolate disconnected cables or cables that do not move._ Inspect the following items for damage and correct connections:
- Parking brake control
- Front cable
- Equalizer
- LH rear cable
- RH rear cable
- Rear brake caliper actuators
**Is any damage found or are any components disconnected?**
**Yes** CONNECT the component(s) or INSTALL a new parking brake component(s) as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
**No** VERIFY that the rear pads are within thickness specifications. REFER to Specifications in [Section 206-00](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-00_html). If the rear pads are OK, INSTALL new rear brake calipers. REFER to [Section 206-04](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-04_html).
**A3 ISOLATE THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL AND FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE**
- Remove the floor console rear access panel.
- Loosen the parking brake adjustment nut and disconnect the rear cables from the equalizer.
- Apply the parking brake control.
**Does the parking brake control move?**
**Yes** GO to [A4](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23a4).
**No** INSTALL a new parking brake control. REFER to [Parking Brake Control](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s3p5311q0_html)in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
**A4 ISOLATE THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES**
- Disconnect the LH and RH parking brake cables from the brake calipers.
- Open In New TabZoom/Print
- While holding the cable conduit, attempt to slide the cable inside the conduit.
**Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?**
**Yes** INSTALL new rear brake calipers. REFER to [Section 206-04](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-04_html). ADJUST the parking brake cable. REFER to [Parking Brake Cable Adjustment](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s5p8617q0_html)in this section.
**No** INSTALL a new rear brake cable(s). REFER to [Parking Brake Cable — Rear](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s3p8614q3038_html)in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
**Pinpoint Test B: The Parking Brake Will Not Release**
**Normal Operation**
When the parking brake release button is pressed and the brake control is released, the return springs on the brake calipers and the parking brake control return the system to the released position.
**This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:**
- Parking brake cables
- Parking brake control
- Parking brake rear wheel components
**PINPOINT TEST B : THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT RELEASE**
**B1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL**
- Press the release button on the parking brake control and release the handle.
**Does the parking brake control move?**
**Yes** GO to [B2](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article//guid/href%3D%22%23b2).
**No** INSTALL a new parking brake control. REFER to [Parking Brake Control](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s3p5311q0_html)in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
**B2 CHECK THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES**
- Remove the floor console rear access panel.
- Open In New TabZoom/Print
- Loosen the parking brake adjustment nut and disconnect the rear cables from the equalizer.
- Disconnect the LH and RH parking brake cables from the brake calipers.
- Open In New TabZoom/Print
- While holding the rear cable conduit, attempt to slide the rear cable inside the conduit.
**Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?**
**Yes** INSTALL new rear brake calipers. REFER to [Section 206-04](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-04_html). ADJUST the parking brake cable. REFER to [Parking Brake Cable Adjustment](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s5p8617q0_html)in this section.
**No** INSTALL new rear brake cable(s). REFER to [Parking Brake Cable — Rear](https://my.alldata.com/repair/#/repair/article/45553/guid/na-fm09fusio-206-05_s3p8614q3038_html)in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
Customer
241 days ago
Thanks I will look into the parking brake issue based on your details
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I have a 2009 Ford Fusion 4 cyl. SE It has been sitting 4 weeks on declined driveway in winter with parking [brake](/topics-brake-ford/) on. Now when trying to drive it will go backward with P-brake off but I have to rev [engine](...
I have a 2009 Ford Fusion 4 cyl. SE It has been sitting 4 weeks on declined driveway in winter with parking [brake](/topics-brake-ford/) on. Now when trying to drive it will go backward with P-brake off but I have to rev [engine](/topics-engine-ford/) to move forward. Mechanic's Assistant: Have your brakes ever been replaced? Have you checked the brake fluid? Yes Brakes were replaced. I can check fluid level. Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Fusion yourself? What have you tried so far? Checked warming up car and improved slightly. Also checked Trans fluid level and seems to be at full mark once warmed up. Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? That is it so far.