Lost My Brakes
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Any idea how to report this?
Here is the website. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ Toll free number: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=442 summary="This table is used for layout purposes only" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
For more information dial NHTSA's toll-free hotline at
1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236)
8:00AM to 10:00PM ET Monday-Friday
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 154
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This link should work to file a complaint online. I'd call them as well.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: Marple Township, PA
ABS will release the brakes if it senses a wheel lock-up...that's where the ECU sensing such a condition will override the master cylinder. Here's a case where random electrons can be a big problem...too much trust in computers.
I would really like the mods of this forum to post a "sticky" that steers ANYBODY with this problem to a direct link for the NHTSA reporting site. There is no other way to get this addressed! And all of the incidents described here have been unsettling at worst; I don't want to be the first to plow into the back of the orphanage van cuz my brakes failed!!
My truck just turned 8,000 and has been a CHAMP...but I sure don't want to have this hanging over my head, so if you have a problem with the brakes, you GOTTA report it!
Thanks!!
I would really like the mods of this forum to post a "sticky" that steers ANYBODY with this problem to a direct link for the NHTSA reporting site. There is no other way to get this addressed! And all of the incidents described here have been unsettling at worst; I don't want to be the first to plow into the back of the orphanage van cuz my brakes failed!!
My truck just turned 8,000 and has been a CHAMP...but I sure don't want to have this hanging over my head, so if you have a problem with the brakes, you GOTTA report it!
Thanks!!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Well ABS will pulse the wheels to prevent a imminent lock up or skid, but they do not just let the brakes go to the floor. There seems to be something else at work there. Regardless ANYBODY with the problem should take 5 minutes and file a report with NHTSA, it might be somebody you know or love that is saved.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Central Pennsylvania
I was the originator of this thread..Yes, I did report the problem to the Feds, and they have gotten back to me and wanted more info..Everyone with this problem should report it..
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: S.I., N.Y.
Well, today I paid a visit to "my" Ford dealer. When the Service Mgr overheard me talking about brake failure, he became very concerned. i explained the situation to him and he immediately took my number and told me he'd call me back soon. About an hour later he called me back. It turns out he knows the Mgr at the other dealer very well and got him involved.
No longer is the ECU the problem. They are replacing the Master Cyl, and the ABS module. It turns out the ECU wasn't the culprit.
I asked why you lose total brake control when the ABS malfunctions. He said that you shouldn't, and that's why they are replacing both. The wires coming out of the master cylinder are only for the idiot light teling you the level is low.
I hope this works, cause if it doesn't, Ford might be changing their name to Frank.
No longer is the ECU the problem. They are replacing the Master Cyl, and the ABS module. It turns out the ECU wasn't the culprit.
I asked why you lose total brake control when the ABS malfunctions. He said that you shouldn't, and that's why they are replacing both. The wires coming out of the master cylinder are only for the idiot light teling you the level is low.
I hope this works, cause if it doesn't, Ford might be changing their name to Frank.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
Originally Posted by DonsFx4
ABS will release the brakes if it senses a wheel lock-up...that's where the ECU sensing such a condition will override the master cylinder. Here's a case where random electrons can be a big problem...too much trust in computers.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Don,
I don't see how that's possible, there would have to be a bypass in the MC, or from the HCU to the resevoir. I haven't looked at mine to verfiy this, but pretty sure there is no bypass, the brake system should still be a closed loop setup....i/e still be able to maintain pressure from the pedal. What the HCU does, is open and close solenoids to change pressure bias at each wheel that is sensed.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: Marple Township, PA
3Mike6...I meant to say that the ABS releasing pressure to the brakes (when it senses a wheel lock-up) EFFECTIVELY overrides the normal pressure coming from the master cylinder. If, for some reason ABS sensed ALL wheels locked, then effectively you have no brakes. If, for some reason all the solenoids get hung up open, same thing. That's where my reference to placing a lot of trust in computers comes from.
My bad for not being clear! Thanks for pointing that out!
My bad for not being clear! Thanks for pointing that out!
Last edited by DonsFx4; Oct 14, 2004 at 08:34 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: S.I., N.Y.
Personally, I think ABS brakes were created for people who don't know how to drive. I hate them. Never had a problem before they were invented.
ABS or not, there should be a failsafe for the system. A broken hydraulic line, I can understand that. A computer glitch, explain that to the person you crushed.
ABS or not, there should be a failsafe for the system. A broken hydraulic line, I can understand that. A computer glitch, explain that to the person you crushed.