Brake Failure - need info

[cstall]

Hi Gang,

I have a 2008 GS with 3400 miles and I got a "Brake Failure" message after work the other day. Brakes feel fine and I was able to ride home. Checked the brake fluid and it's right at the top but I added a couple tablespoons to each reservoir for good measure. Also checked the parking brake - that's OK too.
But the "Brake Failure" message persists. So here are my questions:

• If the problem is cleared up, will that message go away by itself?
• If not, is there a non-BUDS way to clear it?

Thanks!

[Sarge707]

Maybe take off the right side Tupperware and check the master cylinder area?
Take to dealer!

[Jeriatric]

Could be the brake pedal is not returning completely, or a bad switch.

[DrewNJ]

Pull the right rear fender cover and you will see the two black sensors on the bottom of the reservoir. Push them out from the bottom of the reservoir and let them hang loose. Fire the bike up and see if the fault goes away.
This will eliminate one area for a potential fault....

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

[Chupaca]

Check the brake pedal switch for one. You topped off so your covered there. Check park brake switch as well. Sometimes if you rest your foot on the pedal too long it will throw brake failure codes. Don't know how long it takes to clear and go to storeage. Next would be to have the dealer check it out...

[DrewNJ]

The floats in the reservoir can become fluid logged and not float as well as they should. This along with the ridiculously high fluid level that's need to keep the warning lights off can be something to take into consideration.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

[ABQAndy]

The floats in the reservoir can become fluid logged and not float as well as they should. This along with the ridiculously high fluid level that's need to keep the warning lights off can be something to take into consideration.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

I agree with this, adding just a little fluid will probably solve your issue. Did with mine.

[ARtraveler]

I find it to be a yearly thing. My Black Widow gave me the sign on Friday. Topped off the brake fluid res. and no problems driving the twisties and mountains on Saturday.

[Flanker]

I've gotten that prompt since I swapped out my stock pads for EBCs from Baja Ron last year. My fluid level is fine, the prompt is intermittent, and has not gone away.......................I'm good at ignoring like that.

PS: I'll check the plugs/leads on the bottom of the master cylinder though.....................didn't know about them until I read this thread. TY! electronics!

[DrewNJ]

I've gotten that prompt since I swapped out my stock pads for EBCs from Baja Ron last year. My fluid level is fine, the prompt is intermittent, and has not gone away.......................I'm good at ignoring like that.

PS: I'll check the plugs/leads on the bottom of the master cylinder though.....................didn't know about them until I read this thread. TY! electronics!

I finally got tired of messing with the brake fluid level. I pushed the sensors out from the bottom of the master cylinder and have them zip tied up and out of the way.
I've never owned a bike that checked brake fluid level so it wasnt a big deal for me.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

[jimcrom]

I also have a 2008 and have had a brake failure. That required replacement of the master cylinder. If you have seal floor boards you might want to check the brake pedal. I had to have it modified; first with a spring and then had the pedal width thinned and heightened.

Also fluid level is critical.

Hi Gang,

I have a 2008 GS with 3400 miles and I got a "Brake Failure" message after work the other day. Brakes feel fine and I was able to ride home. Checked the brake fluid and it's right at the top but I added a couple tablespoons to each reservoir for good measure. Also checked the parking brake - that's OK too.
But the "Brake Failure" message persists. So here are my questions:

• If the problem is cleared up, will that message go away by itself?
• If not, is there a non-BUDS way to clear it?

Thanks!

[cstall]

Well, here's an update on my troubleshooting efforts:

• Brake switch is OK because brake lights work
• Park brake switch is good because display indicates when park brake is set
• fluid is topped to proper level
• Removed and tested both fluid level sensors - both are good
• checked master cylinder for leaks - none found

But I still get the "Brake Failure" message when I turn the key on, even with the fluid level sensors removed from beneath the reservoirs.


From what I've been reading, the message should go away by itself IF it was caused by low fluid.


So what else is the computer checking in the brake system which would throw a "Brake Failure" message?
Is there way to clear the error (without going to dealer)?

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Here's a shot in the dark since I'm not acquainted with anything other the '13 RT. Have you checked to see what codes are in Nanny? Can you see the codes like you can with the RT by holding in the Mode, Set, and Turn signal buttons simultaneously?

Since you've checked all the obvious possibilities you may have no choice but to go to the dealer. There's more to the brake system than what you've checked. I had my RT back wheel jacked up and started it and ran it for a bit. I then hit the brake pedal to stop the back tire. The fact the back tire was turning and the front ones not, threw an error code after pressing the brake. I had both an ABS code and an EBS (electronic brake distribution) code, so I take that to mean there is a pressure controller that varies the brake pressure between front and rear wheels. The passenger seat switch also has an input into the braking system from what I read. So this is all to say that there is more to the braking system than what you've checked. There's an encoder disc on the rear wheel, and brake pressure switches in the system.

The manual for the RT says BUDS is used to clear fault codes after bleeding, so you may not have any choice but go to the dealer to clear your fault.

HTH, at least a little.

[Flanker]

I finally got tired of messing with the brake fluid level. I pushed the sensors out from the bottom of the master cylinder and have them zip tied up and out of the way.
I've never owned a bike that checked brake fluid level so it wasnt a big deal for me.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

Good to know also.................thanks again!

[swrafey2000]

I had the same issue with my 08 also. Turned out to be the brake fluid. The fluid needs to be flushed and refilled every 2years or 12,000. Dealer wanted 8.5 hrs labour which came to over $600 bucks. I took it home and followed the service book on bleeding the brakes without Buds. It took me about 45 minutes and a $5 bottle of brake fluid.

[cstall]

I had the same issue with my 08 also. Turned out to be the brake fluid. The fluid needs to be flushed and refilled every 2years or 12,000. Dealer wanted 8.5 hrs labour which came to over $600 bucks. I took it home and followed the service book on bleeding the brakes without Buds. It took me about 45 minutes and a $5 bottle of brake fluid.

That's great info! I'll try bleeding the brakes when i get my service manual.
Did the "Brake Failure" message go away by itself after you bled the brakes?