P050F-Brake assist vacuum too low

[GTRick]

I have an auxiliary braking system installed on my 2020 Ranger for towing behind my motorhome. A Demco Stay in Play. No issues for months and many trips until recently. After returning from a trip and on my way to work, I got the check brake system warning pop up and then after clearing, the brake light on the dash was on. It cleared after restarting. Same scenario on the way home, about 15 minutes into the drive and at full freeway speed it popped up again. I retsrted and light cleared and stayed off for the remainder of the commute.
I brought it into the dealer where the code was read and the P050F-Brake assist vacuum too low code was read. Because the Demco unit ties into the vacuum line, nothing else was done to the truck other than to tell me the line has been tampered with and the brake assist, Demco unit needs to be removed prior to anything else being done.
Question for any and all, has anyone else had any issues with this code with a towing package installed or this issue pop up? Anyone have this check brake system pop up on a continuous basis.
Holiday season and I am out a few weeks for getting the system removed or at least removed out of the brake vacuum system. Was not sure if towing would have been the better place for this thread but here it is.
Thanks in advance.

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[Dahveed]

I have an auxiliary braking system installed on my 2020 Ranger for towing behind my motorhome. A Demco Stay in Play. No issues for months and many trips until recently. After returning from a trip and on my way to work, I got the check brake system warning pop up and then after clearing, the brake light on the dash was on. It cleared after restarting. Same scenario on the way home, about 15 minutes into the drive and at full freeway speed it popped up again. I retsrted and light cleared and stayed off for the remainder of the commute.
I brought it into the dealer where the code was read and the P050F-Brake assist vacuum too low code was read. Because the Demco unit ties into the vacuum line, nothing else was done to the truck other than to tell me the line has been tampered with and the brake assist, Demco unit needs to be removed prior to anything else being done.
Question for any and all, has anyone else had any issues with this code with a towing package installed or this issue pop up? Anyone have this check brake system pop up on a continuous basis.
Holiday season and I am out a few weeks for getting the system removed or at least removed out of the brake vacuum system. Was not sure if towing would have been the better place for this thread but here it is.
Thanks in advance.

Since that system is using a vacuum pump to restore the vacuum in the Ranger's brake booster, I would take a guess that it has a leak or a faulty check valve somewhere.

 

[Marpater]

I owned an F-150 Ecoboost, if I remember correctly the same warning came up (no mods done to it) turned out the vacuum pump had to be replaced under warranty, not only was the pump difficult to get to, but it was very expensive. Not sure if this is was your issue is but they are similar systems.

 

[halligan1201]

Definitely a leak or failure to build pressure at pump. Check connections and then have pump checked.

 

[Rp930]

It may have overworked the pump or as stated has a leak. Why not buy a vacuum pump and put it on its own system?

 

[JesseS]

I have had an Aux system for towing for years, you have a vacuum leak at one of 3 places. 1, the 'T' fitting of the vac supply to the actuator, 2, the one way valve (my bet) or 3, the braking actuator itself. I have had the 1-way valve in the booster line go bad, so now carry a spare in my parts kit, sucks to lose your brakes when towing. It is easy to test, with the pump running pull the vac line off of the actuator and check for vacuum by placing your finger over the end, if you don't get it the actuator is leaking. If vac go upstream to the 'T' fitting to see if it is cracked, if its good then it can only be the one way valve. This assums the vac pump in the unit is good.(pull the break-away plug to activate the pump)
I check mine before trips in the garage with the door down by pulling the brake away plug and listen for the vac pump and watch to insure the brake lights come on indicating the system is working.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

It may have overworked the pump or as stated has a leak. Why not buy a vacuum pump and put it on its own system?

Gee Rick,

There you go again....lapsing into logic!

Best,
Phil

 

[Rp930]

Gee Rick,

There you go again....lapsing into logic!

Best,
Phil

It’s a curse.

 

[GTRick]

Demco suggests checking the (2) one way valves first and then moving on from there. I'll give that a try first. One is easy to get to, the other near the unit is going to be the fun one.
Thanks for the input.

Rick

 

[GTRick]

Question for those of you that might be in the know: When this code pops up repeatedly, is it because it continues to have brake assist low vacuum or is it just reporting that there was an issue? When I turn it off, it clears and then on occasion, it comes back on.

 

[Victory Trike]

GTRICK: I don't know if you are still having this problem. I have same system on my 2019 Ranger. It does the same thing. The brake warning light comes on when driving. I too have spoken with Demco. I have replaced both of the check valves. I have removed the "T" connector from the brake line and run the truck as factory set-up. No problems as long as the Demco controller is not in the system. OK. Next step, put the system back together and installed a shut-off valve in the line at the "T". This should do the same thing as removing the Demco system and running stock again. NOPE Brake light back on. At this time I have the Demco controller out of the system, running factory stock setup.
Here is my thought on what is happening. I think the 2.3 cannot produce enough vacuum at times with the additional draw from the Demco Stay and Play. It appears this truck does not have a vacuum pump and is relying on manifold vacuum.
I will be contacting Demco soon to go over this with their customer support.
Any thoughts on adding a electric pump?
Phil

 

[GTRick]

I took it back to where I had it installed and they replaced both check valves and added hose clamps to the hose at all connections. The issue is resolved for now. The warning light does not come back on. I have not towed with it since the repairs or fix was taken care of. One thing I did notice while the issue was going on was my auto/start/stop function was not working like previously. The engine would not stay off for the usual length of time. After the fix, it was back to the previous time at the signals I would usually be parked at.

 

[JesseS]

My invisabrake system has its own vacuum pump for the booster si I just have to insure all of the clamps are tight and the long line running to the unit behind the back seat isn’t kinked.

 

[Victory Trike]

I have also notice that the Auto Start/Stop is no longer functioning.
My system was installed using the vacuum port near the top of the brake booster. Since my last post, Demco has told me to change my hookup to the lower brake booster vacuum port where the sensor is installed.. Demco is sending me a new installation kit so I will have all the needed fitting and new hose to install.
I have attached the photo I received from Demco showing the new installation.
We'll see what happens after this is done.

 

[GTRick]

Mine is attached to the top line.

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