Any ideas what this Brake warning message means? GS Spyder

[Skyhawk]

I have a 2008 GS SM5 with 33,500 miles, that had been basically error free, until now. A “Brake Failure” message has started to scroll across the display. There was nothing unusual that happened or done prior this. Brakes work fine, brake fluid levels good, and brake pads show about 60% to 70%. Tried the key off and out, overnight, and no change. Tried to key off, then on, then stepping down hard on the brake pedal, with no change. The closes “dealer” is about 5-6 hours away, one way! Trying avoid that trip. May have to. Any suggestions?

[ARtraveler]

This MAY be an easy fix for you. The message will happen if you are low on fluid. Check the brake fluid fillers under the seat. The two caps on the right. As little as a teaspoon down can cause the warning.

Mine had a habit of doing it at Hatcher Pass in the beginning. An eleven mile, steep downgrade.

[Warlock]

I have a 08 and very sensitive to the brake fluid level. Just make sure the white piece is all the way to the top when you add fluid. Also with the key on push hard on the brake pedal and turn key off and wait 30 seconds before letting off the brake pedal. There are 2 micro switches that needs to be activated in order to do this procedure.
David

[billybovine]

Stop guessing what is wrong and get the code.

* With ignition switch on and engine running. Press MODE button repeatedly until "engine hours" (total hours) shows on display and do not release.
* Hold the MODE button while pushing the "flash high beams" button five times within 2 seconds.
* If there are no active faults "No Active Fault Code" will be displayed.
* If there is an active fault, an alphanumeric code will be displayed.
* If there is more than one active code, you may press MODE to cycle through them.

Write down all the codes and post them here and someone will lead you in the right direction.

[dickgi]

I tried this on my 2013 RSS and it did not work...sure would be handy if it did.

Stop guessing what is wrong and get the code.

* With ignition switch on and engine running. Press MODE button repeatedly until "engine hours" (total hours) shows on display and do not release.
* Hold the MODE button while pushing the "flash high beams" button five times within 2 seconds.
* If there are no active faults "No Active Fault Code" will be displayed.
* If there is an active fault, an alphanumeric code will be displayed.
* If there is more than one active code, you may press MODE to cycle through them.

Write down all the codes and post them here and someone will lead you in the right direction.

[billybovine]

I tried this on my 2013 RSS and it did not work...sure would be handy if it did.

It's far simpler for your Spyder. Press mode, set and turn signal cancel all at the same time and release.

[dickgi]

When I do that the screen goes blank. I presume because I do not have any error codes. Any way to display total hours? Thanks for this....

It's far simpler for your Spyder. Press mode, set and turn signal cancel all at the same time and release.

[jcthorne]

I suspect if the fluid is full, he is going to come back with a low pressure code. Which means the fluid has not been flushed regularly and is contaminated....unless there is a leak.

[billybovine]

I suspect if the fluid is full, he is going to come back with a low pressure code. Which means the fluid has not been flushed regularly and is contaminated....unless there is a leak.

I suspect you are right.

[billybovine]

When I do that the screen goes blank. I presume because I do not have any error codes. Any way to display total hours? Thanks for this....

Only active codes can be retreived that way. If the fault has changed to occured. It can only be retrieved by someone with BUDS.