Q: Replaced brake pads/rotors on 2013 ford fusion. Error messages when tried to take out of service mode.Now won't start/dark display

asked by on October 19, 2017

I just replaced the brake pads+rotors on my 2013 Ford Fusion. I put the vehicle in maintenance mode which retracted the electric parking brake. I pushed the pistons in straight while bleeding all 4 systems through the bleed valve using correct tools. I pumped the brakes + topped off resivoir. When I went to take it out of maintenance mode I got error messages saying it did not set and to service the brake system. After that I noticed the dash display and radio reset. I tried it again and the e-brake light just flashed at me. I saw the center console reset and perform a sync system update. I tried to start the car and just saw the lights flicker and dim. I heard relays switching (hood was up) and the electric calipers start to move. After that the dash stayed black. Is this a coincidental dead battery? Fuses blown when the e calipers tried to reset? Relay? Did I missalign e calipers? Is that even possible? Can a little brake fluid cause a short on the e caliper connectors?

My car has 98000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Warning Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi Dan. Thanks for reaching out today. Brake fluid can indeed cause communication errors with ABS sensors, so that might be (one) cause of this issue. However, it’s also possible that the battery has gone dead (by coincidence as you stated as well) or an error code is stuck in the ECU. It is also possible that the fuses were blown. Typically, removing the battery cables is the best course of action as opposed to setting a vehicle in maintenance mode, although the service manual recommends that step; issues like you’ve described are common. You might want to have a professional mechanic download and clear any stored OBD-II trouble codes to see if this resolves or displays the root issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Fuel gauge acting erratically
It's possible that you have a problem with your fuel gauge. The only way to tell is to pull the fuel pump out and check resistance on the sending unit. I would suggest having a certified technician come out and...
Bumpy ride at high speeds
Hi. If the car has a wobble to it at high speeds it may be a that the wheels are not balanced. Also it can be because of a damaged wheel bearing. A mechanic can take it for a test...
radiator fan issue
I would suspect the cooling fan switch is bad or the two relays for the cooling system are bad. The cooling fan switch should be the most common problem, but for the price of the two relays in the engine...
when driving speed slow down and resume to speed it begins to jerk i have to put in over drive to resume speed especially on hiway
You should have the vehicle scanned. The data from the speed sensor needs to be checked to see if the transmission or engine is the cause of the jerking. You may have a transmission solenoid that's not shifting correctly, an...
Why does my brake light fuse keep blowing?
The brake light switch is powered by the fuse and then powers the rear brake lights and third brake light also. The power also goes into the body control module to signal to unlock the shifter interlock. I would first...
Radiator, cooling system leaks 2006 Nissan Murano
Hello - sounds like the problem is getting worse! Current-day radiators (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-radiator-last) utilize plastic end tanks, assembled on aluminum cores(the shiny fins running across the front of the engine compartment). This assembly inevitably starts to leak over time. I recommend...
When my car starts I see my headlights and indash lights go dim.
A starter motor uses a lot of current and thus will cause a voltage drop at the battery. During the brief interval that a starter engages and runs, any other circuits that are also "on" could see the voltage drop...
hey i popped my tire and the wheel is pretty messed up how much you'll think it is to replace/fix
Hi there. It really depends on what type of wheel you have. If it's a steel wheel with a hub cap that covers it, the cost for the wheel and tire should range between $200 to $300 total. However, if...
Engine light turned, reading says I need new catalytic converter, how long could I wait to fix it?
A clogged or failing catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) can cause the vehicle to have poor fuel economy. As you may already know, the catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-250
When When it comes to large, heavy-duty pickup trucks, the 2012 Ford F-250 only has two competitors – the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the Dodge Ram 2500/3500. Though the F-250 doesn’t outperform the Ram in the towing department, it certainly...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid
Over Over the past few years, we’ve seen a major trend toward people choosing crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) over larger SUVs. The big motivator here, of course, is buying a more eco-friendly vehicle that will also save you a bundle...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in the Country
Living Living in the country is a whole different way of living. You deal with rough and uneven roads, mud, snow, rain, and ice and you need a vehicle that can stand up to these kinds of conditions with ease....