What could be causing this Brake Failure Alarm?

[scubadown]

My 2013 ST-L often has a brake failure alarm. It is obvious the parking brake is not on as it rolls easily in neutral. If I turn it off and restart the alarm clears. I have the cowling removed from the RHS and the switch is definitely activated. I can close the switch manually and the light goes off on the dashboard.

Any ideas what could be causing this? Bad (intermittent) switch or something else?

 

[SpyFyg-2]

I had that on my 2012 RTL and the brake fluid was just a tad bit low. Tech filled to top, cleared the code and didn't have any other issues.
They are a little touchy if they get just under full.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I had that on my 2012 RTL and the brake fluid was just a tad bit low. Tech filled to top, cleared the code and didn't have any other issues.
They are a little touchy if they get just under full.

:agree: .... this is the cause of most Brake Fail codes .....Mike :thumbup:

 

[Flamewinger]

Not having your brakes service every 2 years can cause all kinds of problems.

The parking brake is an electric motor with cable attached to the rear caliper. Could be the battery is going or not great. - Nothing to do with the hydraulic brake system, so adding brake fluid does nothing for the parking brake.

If the brake fluid reservoir is very low then its either a leak or the brake pads are worn out. Adding a little brake fluid won't fix that.

 

[ByronM]

Try resetting the Brake Failure
Make sure the key has been turned off for more than 30 seconds. Turn on the ignition key. Wait for the screen to finish booting up. You may not need to push the Mode switch but it won't hurt. Press the brake pedal hard enough to activate the low pressure switch. HARD. If you have good hearing it will be the 2nd click. While holding the brake pedal down. Turn the ignition key off and wait 30 seconds. Release the brake pedal. Then check if the code is cleared. Repeat as necessary.

 

[scubadown]

Thanks guys, I'll top off the brake fluid. But it seems like it must be the micro switch located on the parking brake mechanism as this resets the error.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Thanks guys, I'll top off the brake fluid. But it seems like it must be the micro switch located on the parking brake mechanism as this resets the error.

The 'Low Brake Fluid' warning (& a few others too) is usually the Park Brake Symbol on the dash flashing once you release the Park Brake... while a dodgy Park Brake micro-switch sticking on will usually just continue to show that same Symbol as solidly lit once the Park Brake goes off. Which of those yours is doing?? :dontknow:

That said, those micro-switches are pretty sensitive, & the fact that the warning light goes off if you manually operate the switch really does suggest that's where the problem is. If you've tried the re-setting process ByronM explained at post #5, then it might be that the switch itself &/or that tiny shiny activating lever isn't adjusted correctly or is misaligned.... seeing as you've got it open atm, any chance of seeing a pic of it posted here??

 

[scubadown]

I topped off the brake fluid and tweaked the micro-switch lever. I'll see if it happens again.

Brake on

Brake off

 

[scubadown]

Well, it happened again. After further reading I found that a Brake Failure alarm is different than a parking brake issue, that is a separate alarm, (Parking Brake Failure). The two brake fluid reservoirs are full, brake pads at about double the minimum required and the brake light switch is functioning properly. Also, the brakes feel like they are stopping fine.



The alarm clears upon re-starting the bike.

 

[Bfromla]

Well, it happened again. After further reading I found that a Brake Failure alarm is different than a parking brake issue, that is a separate alarm, (Parking Brake Failure). The two brake fluid reservoirs are full, brake pads at about double the minimum required and the brake light switch is functioning properly. Also, the brakes feel like they are stopping fine.

View attachment 196198

The alarm clears upon re-starting the bike.

The sensor can fail. Maybe the float get stuckopcorn:

 

[Bfromla]

Any updates??