My brakes look new but have no stopping power, how do I fix that?

You have a bad vacuum booster. The diaphragm in the booster is ruptured resulting in vacuum loss and no power assist to the brakes. Do not drive in this condition, loss of control (stopping) hazard exist.. Replace Power Brake Booster. Since replacement of the booster requires removal of the master cylinder, replace the master cylinder as well, It is old (2003) and time for replacement

Usually caused by old brown brake fluid...a fluid wash out adding new brake fluid can fix this...extensive bleeding at each wheel brake cylinder can fix this...be sure to start at the rear (farthest away) ...

You have a failed brake master cylinder, you need to have it replaced and then the system bled of air. This requires special tools for the ABS brake system hydraulic control module.

check all electrical fuses first. the brake switch that is mounted on top of brake pedal arm underdash, may be bad or out of adjustment. this switch sends power to rear stop lights when putting on the brake. if bad there will be no power going to back lights. after fixing switch check the power to stop lights. if still no power check wires and the bulbs.

You need a New brake master Cylinder. You may be able to find one on ebay.

the abs and brakes are related, but not brakes are not dependent on abs. you mentioned you got new brake pads and the brake pedal got fixed? if it didnt get fixed, then your master cylinder might be going out, its the only logical thing if you bled your brake pads. about the abs, it stands for anti-lock braking system. what it does is at instant high speed stops, it pumps your brakes very fast to stop your wheels from locking up, which prevents your car from skidding, and allows you to manouver your steering wheel as you are braking. very helpful, but not essential. it is like passanger or even drivers airbags, definately better to have, but not essential. if you dont have money to fix your abs right now, dont worry about it, as at least half the cars on the road, including newer, basic cars are not equiped with abs. another thing, abs is a relative new technology, which became common in the 1990s, which means before that, cars didnt have abs, so if someone says to fix it right away because it is 100 percent dangerous, they are just exagerating. just take a little extra precaution while braking, thats all. on the other hand, if you do have the money to fix the abs, you can start by retrieving the code first using a paper clip:

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=21259

this will lead you in the right direction. hope this helps, and if you need any help, leave a comment and ill gladly respond. goodluck

Did you check the fuse for the stop lamps ? This is cab fuse panel F2 ( where the turn signal is fuse F13 ).

When you tested the old or new BPP ( Brake PEdal Position ) Switch, did you have power on the side from the fuse ( this is the light green w/ red stripe wire ) ?
When you pressed the brake pedal down, did you have power on the side towards the brake lamps ( this is the Light green wire ) ?

there is a ground problem, most likely in the tail unit itself, but a ground problem is hard to find and easy to fix. reground the system, the turning unit, and the problem should stop. About the hazards, I don't know...... some times in older cars, that is the way it works. because the brake and hazard element in the bulb is the same and the old cars used a break in the power, but the new cars use a break in the ground. any way, chase the ground down first, it is usually the cause.

Most tail light problems are a result of a bad ground......somewhere.

are your rear drums set up? why did you bleed the brakes. when only when you installed new pads?