Brake problem! HELP!

[Ron]

I have a 1987 Turbo bird and the brakes died about a year ago. It has been garaged since. I was driving along when I noticed my brake light go on. About 5 min. later I had lost power on my brake pedal. The car came to a stop after pressing on the pedal very hard and about 50 ft later.
What is the best way to trouble shoot this? I do have full pressure in the lines and pedal. Could it be just a power booster($)? Or something electronic like the abs system($$$$$)? Any suggestions are welcomed.

 

[2-77s 1-85 2-86 TCs]

If you could get the car to stop, but only with ALOT of pressure on the pedal, that really does sound like the booster to me. Just like manual brakes, which I've had, you have to apply alot of firm pressure on the brake pedal to get it to stop. My '93 T-Bird did that a couple of times, too.

 

[TurboEE]

Ron,
i had a similar problem with my 87 Turbo. when the key is initially turned to the on position the elecronic brake pump should turn on and pump up pressure, and you should feel it on the pedal. obviously if the pressure is already built up the pump doesnt come on, a sensor checks the pressure and turns it on and off at a set pressure. the pump makes a humming noise, and if this pump never turns on it could be a sensor that screws into the side of the pump. the one on my car was green and was about 1.25 inches in diameter. it plugs into wires on one side and on the other it screws into the pump. the pump is under the brake fluid resevor. the switch is on the engine side of the pump. its a little tricky getting to it, and the switch is about $100. if that doesnt work, i know it sounds stupid but i lost my brakes in a similar way and after troubleshooting i changed the ignition switch not where the key goes in but behind the plastic covers around the steering column there is the ignition switch, i think this was cheaper and i know it was easier. good luck