Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids have regenerative braking. They will do a self test every 5 minutes that pressurizes the system. If you do not turn off the self-test function, you may be seriously injured while replacing the brake pads. The following is the step-by-step procedure to put the brakes in Safe Brake Service Mode (SBSM):
- Put the vehicle in park with the ignition on.
- Step on the brake pedal.
- With your foot on the brake pedal, turn the key off and then on 3 times. Then release the brake pedal. This must complete in less than 3 seconds.
- If you have done this correctly, the brake warning light will flash when the stored hydraulic pressure is released. It will stay on once the pressure is released.
- Now you can safely repair your brakes. After the repair, you will need to activate the regenerative brakes once again by turning the ignition key off and on. Leave the key in the on position.
- When you’re done, you’ll need to exit SBSM. To do this, step on the brake pedal and hold it down while turning the ignition off and on. This develops pressure in the system. The brake warning light should now go out.
This is just one of the things to keep in mind when servicing Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids. Always refer to the service manual for safety information whenever you are working on or near high voltage systems.