1995 MArk VIII Brake issues - Soft pedal, abs code 17, etc

[Big Mike]

Hello,

I have a problem with my brakes. Yesterday afternoon I started experiencing a very soft pedal, to stop the car I have to pump the brakes or mash them to the floor. This started after using the cruise on the highway and using the brake to deactivate it. After I did, the cruise would not work again.

When I first realized there was a problem was when I couldn't shift out of park, and the brake lights weren't working. I found out fuse 11 would blow immediately when replaced. I found the recall CC deactivation switch under the passenger fender liner and unplugged it as it has the recall open still. The soft pedal and weak brakes started before I unplugged it. When I unplugged the harness brake fluid poured out, approx. an ounce or so. The brake lights now work and fuse 11 is fine, as well as the shift interlock.

I realized the PO removed the ABS light from the info center, I replaced it and jumped the ABS test connector under the hood. I found a code 17 via the ABS self diagnostic. This code pertains to "17 Reference Voltage (Traction Assist code - Mark VIII only)" and my car has no traction control. I am lost there. I don't care about ABS function right now.

I need to figure out a few things:

Why is my pedal soft and weak? Is it the leak at the switch under the fender liner?

Where can I get a new Switch to replace the one that is on the car?

Advice and suggestions would be great.

 

[BAD97LSC]

the switch is leaking and ford will fix it for free, they have to, its a recall, so much for paying me to look at it huh lol. take it to ford you dont need to pay to have it fixed. you need the fuseable link harness installed and a new deactivation switch installed. the pedal is soft because its leaking brake fluid.

 

[Big Mike]

the switch is leaking and ford will fix it for free, they have to, its a recall, so much for paying me to look at it huh lol. take it to ford you dont need to pay to have it fixed. you need the fuseable link harness installed and a new deactivation switch installed. the pedal is soft because its leaking brake fluid.

Trust me there's loads of stuff i'd pay to have done to this car.

I didn't know the recall covered the switch I thought it was faulty harness only. Thanks

 

[BAD97LSC]

the switch is what starts the fires, the harness is faulty because after the fire starts, power will keep feeding the burning switch!!

 

[Big Mike]

Guess I need to call the biggest local ford dealer I can find tommorrow. I sent you a pm.

 

[Green Machine]

Try this before you go to the dealer:
http://www.ford.com/owner-services/customer-support/recall-information

to see if there are any open recalls on your car.

 

[Big Mike]

I have already. That is the exact place I got my information to say my recall was open. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Sapperfire]

...and stick a fire extinguisher in your trunk even after the recall has been completed!!!!

 

[Big Mike]

When I read the recall it seems to say they just install a harness, but you guys say they also replace the switch. I hope Ford doesn't try to ream me.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS.

...and stick a fire extinguisher in your trunk even after the recall has been completed!!!!

If it sets on fire again after burning that same corner of the car once already from the air ride compressor (suposedly why there is fire damage in there), a familiar Usher song from high school comes to mind....let it burn.

 

[NoLimit95]

Just tell them you don't want your Mark to look like this. No, that wasn't from the CC deactivation switch or anything to do with brake fluid but this is what they look like when they get done burning from that. Check around the master cylinder for any brake fluid leaks too. Like Sapp said, please keep a small fire extinguisher in that car / trunk.

 

[chicken]

When I read the recall it seems to say they just install a harness, but you guys say they also replace the switch. I hope Ford doesn't try to ream me.

the recall goes like this:
they check if the switch is leaking
if not leaking you get a fused jumper harness
if the switch is leaking you get a new style switch and an adapter harness to fit it (no fuses)
its all free go to ford and fix it

 

[Big Mike]

OK, went to autoway ford in bradenton. Argued with the advisors to the location of the switch until a tech showed the advisor I was right. Got a new swtich (I need to visually confirm). The brakes are still soft, but, I feel like they have air in the lines. IF I pump them they firm up but let down. Maybe I need to bleed em?

 

[chicken]

Maybe I need to bleed em?

yes

 

[Big Mike]

yes

Fixed it. Brakes feel great now and the bleeding made my brake pull go away!

 

[BAD97LSC]

see that dude, how cheap was that repair !!! i dont want to work on a car and charge money when i know i shouldnt, you got it all fixed yourself. now when do you want to do the trans?

 

[Big Mike]

BTW there was a TON of air in there. I have bled many brake systems, this one was the worst.

see that dude, how cheap was that repair !!! i dont want to work on a car and charge money when i know i shouldnt, you got it all fixed yourself. now when do you want to do the trans?

I have to do ALOT of sh!t tommorrow, job interview, gotta go to my college to grab some dvds, gotta shop for my sick mom, and return my radio if I can get to pepboys (I know pepboys ugh) before they close tommorrow.

Provided they refund my card I will have my money back from my radio soon. I Bought a double din unit I don't like.

I'll order parts from five star as soon as I can then I will keep you posted. When I order everything I'll PM you so you know what to expect. IDK how fast max ships, but if I order Thursday, I guess the next weekend after the parts arrive will be my game plan. If I could just go to the parts counter somewhere and grab the stuff it would be sooner.

 

[chicken]

glad it all worked out for ya!