Had a serious issue off-roading, ranger design flaw?

[D Fresh]

I have the same hand brake as everyone. The cable operated one. I have no clue how it was done, all I know is that it was done. I was literally dragging the truck by the winch.

I have the truck drained of brake fluid now, so I'll make a video so you can see.

Just want to clarify that I'm not calling bullshit on you. I belive it you, I just don't understand how that's possible.

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[Bludrok]

Just want to clarify that I'm not calling bullshit on you. I belive it you, I just don't understand how that's possible.

I am just as baffled as you.

Here is the video.



On doing some research and testing, I believe it is manually activating the brakes with what fluid it does have left and not engaging the ebrake. With the fluid drained and ebrake off (Brake light is on), I can manually rotate the tire (its on jack stands). When I engage the ebrake, I can no longer move it.

 

[D Fresh]

Here


I am just as baffled as you.

Here is the video.



On doing some research and testing, I believe it is manually activating the brakes with what fluid it does have left and not engaging the ebrake. With the fluid drained and ebrake off (Brake light is on), I can manually rotate the tire (its on jack stands. When I engage the ebrake, I can no longer move it.

Gotcha.

I think you're on the right track with the brakes simply applying on the rear rather than the truck actually engaging the parking brake.

When reading your story at first I was under the impression that the parking brake handle was up as though you engaged it and that seemed awfully odd.

With the systems known to be in place I could see how the truck could apply and hold the rear brakes with the last bits of fluid in the system. This makes much more sense.

 

[Bludrok]

Gotcha.

I think you're on the right track with the brakes simply applying on the rear rather than the truck actually engaging the parking brake.

When reading your story at first I was under the impression that the parking brake handle was up as though you engaged it and that seemed awfully odd.

With the systems known to be in place I could see how the truck could apply and hold the rear brakes with the last bits of fluid in the system. This makes much more sense.

After researching, I actually think it is all 4 brakes, not just the rear. I had just assumed it was the rear and the ebrake was applied when I was stuck because the light was on and the brakes were definitely applied.

 

[D Fresh]

After researching, I actually think it is all 4 brakes, not just the rear. I had just assumed it was the rear and the ebrake was applied when I was stuck because the light was on and the brakes were definitely applied.

Makes sense for it to do all four. That would ensure the vehicle was immobilized regardless of fluid loss.

 

[Cabose-1]

Well, you did ask the question.

So we answered.

 

[Floyd]

So , how does a hydraulic brake engage without fluid pressure?

 

[Bludrok]

So , how does a hydraulic brake engage without fluid pressure?

It doesnt, but I dont believe it was empty. I believe it was just lower than the threshold amount.

I'm open to other possibilities if you have a hypothesis?

 

[Floyd]

It doesnt, but I dont believe it was empty. I believe it was just lower than the threshold amount.

I'm open to other possibilities if you have a hypothesis?

Even so, if it was leaking it would not hold pressure. Not trying to be antagonistic... just curious!

 

[Bludrok]

Even so, if it was leaking it would not hold pressure. Not trying to be antagonistic... just curious!

I tightened the bolt back as soon as I found the issue. It wasn't an open system, just extremly low on fluid.

 

[Jason B]

This is all guess work on my part, as I don't know exactly how this all works. And I'm not trying to beat you down or doubt you in anyway. As others here, I'm trying to learn as much about our Rangers for times when I encounter problems, as I plan to keep this one for a long time.

That brake light comes on if there is any brake problem, not just when the parking brake is engaged. My sister's Honda's brake light came on and wouldn't shift out of park because of a burnt taillight. My'95 wouldn't shift out of park because of low fluid.
Since we have an electronic trans, could it be that it won't come out of park if there is a brake issue similar as stated about my '95? From my understanding, the gear selector only tells the trans which position is selected and doesn't physically engage the trans. I have heard that you can put the truck in reverse when driving forward and nothing happens as the computer knows not switch to reverse while driving forward. So, when winching the truck, you assumed it was in neutral put the computer kept it in park. But then, wouldn't the park interlock prevent you from moving the selector? Do we have a park interlock?

 

[Floyd]

This is all guess work on my part, as I don't know exactly how this all works. And I'm not trying to beat you down or doubt you in anyway. As others here, I'm trying to learn as much about our Rangers for times when I encounter problems, as I plan to keep this one for a long time.

That brake light comes on if there is any brake problem, not just when the parking brake is engaged. My sister's Honda's brake light came on and wouldn't shift out of park because of a burnt taillight. My'95 wouldn't shift out of park because of low fluid.
Since we have an electronic trans, could it be that it won't come out of park if there is a brake issue similar as stated about my '95? From my understanding, the gear selector only tells the trans which position is selected and doesn't physically engage the trans. I have heard that you can put the truck in reverse when driving forward and nothing happens as the computer knows not switch to reverse while driving forward. So, when winching the truck, you assumed it was in neutral put the computer kept it in park. But then, wouldn't the park interlock prevent you from moving the selector? Do we have a park interlock?

Thank God I had the sense to keep my '95 and my '50, even my '16 hadn't gotten this stupid.
These Nanny engineers have definitely gone TOO FAR!
I know many cars had a release in the console to get neutral after some rigamaroll.
Safety begins and ends ultimately with an informed and responsible driver, not with Rub Goldberg contraptions....

 

[Bludrok]

This is all guess work on my part, as I don't know exactly how this all works. And I'm not trying to beat you down or doubt you in anyway. As others here, I'm trying to learn as much about our Rangers for times when I encounter problems, as I plan to keep this one for a long time.

That brake light comes on if there is any brake problem, not just when the parking brake is engaged. My sister's Honda's brake light came on and wouldn't shift out of park because of a burnt taillight. My'95 wouldn't shift out of park because of low fluid.
Since we have an electronic trans, could it be that it won't come out of park if there is a brake issue similar as stated about my '95? From my understanding, the gear selector only tells the trans which position is selected and doesn't physically engage the trans. I have heard that you can put the truck in reverse when driving forward and nothing happens as the computer knows not switch to reverse while driving forward. So, when winching the truck, you assumed it was in neutral put the computer kept it in park. But then, wouldn't the park interlock prevent you from moving the selector? Do we have a park interlock?

I was in drive while winching. The brakes were definitely engaged. It wasn't in park or anything.

 

[Big Blue]

You can argue that every problem is a design flaw, simply because the engineers can only design a system for a limited number of uses. They can't get them all. Just be happy they designed idiot lights to warn you. Wouldn't be cool finding out you lost brakes on a highway with rapidly slowing traffic ahead

Actually had that happen! Blew a master cylinder on the NW side of Minneappolis during rush hour, pulling my popup. Got lucky the traffic was stop and go and there was a little left at the bottom of the travel. Definitely a time for clean shorts moment though.

 

[TdotReckless]

Wow, this is good to know. Gotta keep an eye on this when on sketchy trails. Thanks for the info!!

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