Brake Pedal Issues

[D0lphan72]

Was wondering if anyone knew how to fix the pedal on the 2019 ranger. Mine doesn't even start to slow down the truck until I press it down for 1+ inch & even after that it takes a lot to start getting it to slow down more in terms of how hard I press compared to other vehicles I've driven.

I had it inspected the other week & all 4 rotors are in good shape while 3/4 of the pads are all in great shape as well. the back right was a little leaner than the other 3 sets of pads but was still in fine shape. The truck has 25K miles on it & I feel like the brake pedal should be much more responsive overall

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[Tom_C]

Did they not check the pedal? I'm no mechanic, but seems like maybe the lines need to be bled, or the power module tested.

 

[D0lphan72]

Did they not check the pedal? I'm no mechanic, but seems like maybe the lines need to be bled, or the power module tested.

No they didn't. not sure if they checked this but the OBD2 port was scanned with no negative results

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

This is a common thing with this truck and many say an ABS bleed is the trick. Here's a thread of folks that achieve it with Forscan.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/fix-your-mushy-brakes.15581/

 

[D0lphan72]

This is a common thing with this truck and many say an ABS bleed is the trick. Here's a thread of folks that achieve it with Forscan.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/fix-your-mushy-brakes.15581/

Looks great, thanks for the share. I'm not even remotely familiar with Forscan. Do I have to pay for it/ do I install it on a PC & connect it to the truck?

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

Yeah it is a consumer-grade software that allows you to program your truck's computers. https://forscan.org/home.html There are many guides on the forum how to use it. That said, it's not necessarily plug-and-play as you will need a PC laptop with windows, the USB/OBDII cord (not expensive..), and I personally would take the time to familiarize myself before using...

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/forscan-crowdsourced-wiki.2008/

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/forscan-modifications.1844/



All this said - you absolutely have the option to talk to a shop and let them know you believe your brakes need to be bled.

 

[D0lphan72]

Yeah it is a consumer-grade software that allows you to program your truck's computers. https://forscan.org/home.html There are many guides on the forum how to use it. That said, it's not necessarily plug-and-play as you will need a PC laptop with windows, the USB/OBDII cord (not expensive..), and I personally would take the time to familiarize myself before using...

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/forscan-crowdsourced-wiki.2008/

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/forscan-modifications.1844/



All this said - you absolutely have the option to talk to a shop and let them know you believe your brakes need to be bled.

Do you know if I would get the same results if I just have someone manually bleed my brakes?

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

My guess is yes but with more labor - I think the idea with the Forscan method is you don't have to really do anything extra beyond let the truck software handle it.

 

[got3fords]

Do you know if I would get the same results if I just have someone manually bleed my brakes?

I did the Forscan ABS bleed, but it didn't last. I had the dealer bleed the brakes under warranty, and they did say they got air out. Much better. And for some odd reason, they got even a little better when I got new tires.

 

[D0lphan72]

My guess is yes but with more labor - I think the idea with the Forscan method is you don't have to really do anything extra beyond let the truck software handle it.

I was able to find a $20 usb to OBD2 cable on Amazon & it looks like they do a 2 month trial license so I'll just do that. I appreciate your help!!!!

 

[airline tech]

Are you the Original Owner or did you just buy the truck?

Reason I am asking is that this is a common issue from the factory that the dealers deem normal.

Mushy Brake Pedal - In my first few weeks of ownership - I manually bled the brakes; you will note lots of air in the RR as this is the longest brake line run from the master cylinder.
Brake pedal has been firm ever since and can and will - STOP on a dime if needed.

You can also do the the ABS Bleed via Forscan or any high-end scanner, as this is a automated way to bleed the brakes, No-Helper Required.
If you do this without opening the bleeders then it is just moving the air out of the ABS Pump Module, it may help the issue (SOME) but to get the full benefit and get the brake pedal back to a normal feel - you must do a complete bleed.

If this issue just started, then it may be a master cylinder issue.

 

[airline tech]

I was able to find a $20 usb to OBD2 cable on Amazon & it looks like they do a 2 month trial license so I'll just do that. I appreciate your help!!!!

The cable NEEDS to be one recommended by Forscan, or it will not work.

The OBD-Link EX or MX Version are the best ones.

 

[airline tech]

This is what you need - Reason the MS/HS Can switching function of the adaptor.
This is the communication network for the modules.

https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-EX-FORScan-OBD-Adapter/dp/B081VQVD3F

EDIT:

Disregard if you bought the ELM version, I just thought without checking that you were looking at something else - sorry

But on that note, some have reported issues connecting with other cables on the newer versions of Forscan and not using the OBD-Link Ex cable, so just make a note of this if you have issues connecting- It may be the brand of cable.
I myself have not used anything other than the (Ex or Mx) versions so I cannot verify how they work.

 

[Tom_C]

I bought this one, but there is a newer model that does the mode detection automatically. Mine requires me to throw the switch, but forscan tells me when to switch it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F0GVBWY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I didn't know you could do it via forscan. My monkey brain tells me the air needs to be removed manually, but I have no idea.

Forscan is a great tool though. I made about a dozen changes and kept a little spreadsheet of the changes I made. In the forscan forum you can download a speadsheet with all the known settings sent in by users. Very handy.

 

[D0lphan72]

Are you the Original Owner or did you just buy the truck?

Reason I am asking is that this is a common issue from the factory that the dealers deem normal.

Mushy Brake Pedal - In my first few weeks of ownership - I manually bled the brakes; you will note lots of air in the RR as this is the longest brake line run from the master cylinder.
Brake pedal has been firm ever since and can and will - STOP on a dime if needed.

You can also do the the ABS Bleed via Forscan or any high-end scanner, as this is a automated way to bleed the brakes, No-Helper Required.
If you do this without opening the bleeders then it is just moving the air out of the ABS Pump Module, it may help the issue (SOME) but to get the full benefit and get the brake pedal back to a normal feel - you must do a complete bleed.

If this issue just started, then it may be a master cylinder issue.

I bought it 3 weeks ago. I also just bought the scanner you mentioned a few posts back

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