Brake Failure

[ABQ_Spyderman]

A couple days ago I noticed the (!) symbol pop up (the same one that signifies the parking brake is on) and a digital readout of "BRAKE FAILURE" came across my digital gauge. I figured it would go away since my brakes are working fine and my parking brake works fine, but now after several days I'm starting to wonder--are my brakes going to not work one of these times? Has anyone had this issue? And if so, how was it resolved?

Thanks!!

Andy

[boborgera]

Check the brake fluid very careful, even a little bit low will trigger the brake waring .
It might look right but sometimes as little adding a few CC's will help.

[3whlLefty]

Check the brake fluid very careful, even a little bit low will trigger the brake waring .
It might look right but sometimes as little adding a few CC's will help.

I just went thru the same thing. Added about a tbsp worth of fluid and all is well.

Always try the simplest fix first!!

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Thanks! I'll give it a try. I really appreciate it.

[johnnyrocket]

Thanks! I'll give it a try. I really appreciate it.

Saame thing happened to me, very small amount(cc's) and away went the light never to return. Computer must be very sensitive! Sure was glad I saw this fix on this site and remembered it, I was about 1000 miles from home and got pretty concerned. Thanks to whoever the Spyderlover was that put that on site

[NancysToy]

Saame thing happened to me, very small amount(cc's) and away went the light never to return. Computer must be very sensitive! Sure was glad I saw this fix on this site and remembered it, I was about 1000 miles from home and got pretty concerned. Thanks to whoever the Spyderlover was that put that on site

It's not the computer that is sensitive, it is the float switch in the reservoir.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Wanted to let you know it worked. Dealer wanted $98 just to do diagnostics. I bought a $7 bottle of brake fluid, put a tad in, and the error code went away. Y'all rock! Thanks!!

[Sopher]

Will this code go away once more brake fluid is added? I have this issue too.

I thought the dealer had to clear it?

[BajaRon]

Will this code go away once more brake fluid is added? I have this issue too.

I thought the dealer had to clear it?

I believe it will be retained in BUDS but will clear on your instrument panel, (which is all you really need). Be sure to use DOT 4 fluid, not DOT 3 or 5.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

The code on my display went away. That's what matters to me. That...and brakes that work, of course!

[mdimaline]

had the same problem a while back...added two tspns of fluid and ouila!.......no more trouble!

[granpa in Cincy]

voila

[Sopher]

OK, I added some DOT4. one resevoir need more than the other.
Not to be picky, but how long until the code godes away?

Any downside to putting too much in?

[boborgera]

OK, I added some DOT4. one resevoir need more than the other.
Not to be picky, but how long until the code godes away?

Any downside to putting too much in?

If low level was the cause of the code, It should go off right away,.
Too much brake fluid if it spills over will ruin paint, and medal fast.

[SpyderLuv]

I had the same problem with my RTS. I had it in 4 times for the Brake Failure. They finally replaced the brake fluid resevoir and hadn'r had a a problem since. Hope you get it taken care of soon.

[captblack]

I was on the Cherahola Skyway today when I noticed this alarm. Luckily, I has read this thread so I didn't freak out as I was going down the 9% grade. Tested brakes and they were good - so was I!

Now to find some DOT 4 fluid ...

Thanks for the experienced feedback in this thread.

[ARtraveler]

A very common issue as you can see. I had it happen to me twice last week. I guess a need a few cc's to top it off.

Most of the time when I drive to an area called Hatchers Pass, a road with a very steep grade, I get the brake failure warning on the way down. Never had a brake problem, its just the angle of the grade that spooks the

[captblack]

Added about an ounce... problem solved, codes gone

[Diamond R]

My question is, where is the fuild going that we need to continue to add some??

Allen

[BajaRon]

My question is, where is the fuild going that we need to continue to add some??

Allen

The Missing Fluid Mystery is Solv'ed (as Inspector Clouseau would say).

Ok, well, I got my colored lines out of sequence for the narrative but I'm sure all you smart Spyderlovers will work through that.

[NancysToy]

Well done, Ron! I was trying to figure out how to explain this without pictures.

BTW, if you have to add much brake fluid, be sure to inspect your brake pads. They may be worn to the point that they need to be replaced. On a similar note, if you top off the brake fluid, you may have to siphon or bleed some out when you replace the pads later. Keep a close watch on the master cylinder when you push the piston back into the caliper. You don't want to spill brake fluid on anything. It is very damaging to painted surfaces.

[Recluze]

I had been noticing this brake warning light come on, usually on deceleration. I had convinced myself that I was somehow hitting the parking brake while downshifting.

At one point I came to a stop and there was this 'Failure' message scrolling across the screen on my RS. It did not say what failure so I thought it was talking about me specifically. I didn't think it knew me that well.

I convinced myself that I was getting a weak battery and ordered one to change it out. It was four years old anyway.

Then I read this post and the light bulb in my head went off: low brake fluid. I added about four teaspoons (I didn't know how else to get it in there) and I suspect the problem is solved.

So thanks once againt to SpyderLovers and all of the great info available here. Along with the entertainment value of following the posts on the BEST oil, raingear, windshield and helmet, I often learn useful things in here.

[BajaRon]

Well done, Ron! I was trying to figure out how to explain this without pictures.

I figured if a person didn't need a picture then they probably didn't need an explination either. Isn't Google wonderful!

[CyncySpyder]

The SpyderLovers Community are the BEST

[steve635]

"At one point I came to a stop and there was this 'Failure' message scrolling across the screen on my RS. It did not say what failure so I thought it was talking about me specifically. I didn't think it knew me that well."

That Sir, is a quality line.......