Check valve of the brake vacuum pump that may not open when cold (Focus II, Mondeo IV and Kuga diesel, 2008–2009 recalls)

Engine / equipment

Ford Focus II (2.0 TDCi in 2008), Mondeo IV and Kuga I diesel

Period mentioned

Recalls of January 2008 and May–June 2009

Symptoms

In low temperatures with a cold engine the brake pedal needs much more force because the booster gets no vacuum; the brakes still work.

Possible cause described

According to the ADAC, the check valve of the brake system's vacuum pump may not open in the cold with a cold engine, and so give the booster no vacuum. The brakes still work, but with much more pedal effort. The valve is replaced in about 20 to 30 minutes. In Germany it covered 24,000 2.0 TDCi Focuses (January 2008, with other models) and 12,000 cars in the second recall (June 2009, with other models); the action is noted in the brand's workshop system.

Check for the garage

Ask Ford by VIN whether it was done (one of the two recalls). If the pedal is hard on a cold winter start, tell the garage.

Cost cited in the source

Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database