First start of the season = brake failure message

[RodO]

My '10 RT with almost 16,000 km (10,000 miles) started on the first try after coming out of 6 months of winter hibernation. Which was nice. But it's also showing a brake failure in the display. The brakes are working OK so I went to the gas station to fill the tires and it doesn't show the message while riding but is did again when I was back and parking it. I'm guessing it's maybe the parking brake throwing a false error after being parked so long but anyone have other ideas?

Thanks,
Rod.


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[NancysToy]

Check the fluid level in the brake reservoir. Also check carefully for leaks if you have low brake fluid (it doesn't take much). A fluid level that goes down over the winter usually means a leak. Maybe the parking brake being out of adjustment or hanging up could cause it...but it would take being out of adjustment by a lot if that is the case, and hanging up without the cable coming off is uncommon. If it is a parking brake issue, that should be addressed, too, but I am betting on low brake fluid.

 

[fastfraser]

As always :agree: with Scotty . The brake fluid will look full but all you have to do is add as little as a teaspoon full to clear the brake failure message .

 

[RodO]

I can't go for a ride before tomorrow but I topped up the brake fluid and it didn't throw the message when I started it, so looks like you're batting 100% Scotty. Thanks!


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[boborgera]

:thumbup: That's so common, There should be a note on the reservoir, If the brake light comes on make sure the reservoir is topped off as the first check. Or better yet BRP might want to redesign reservoir.

 

[gypsy_100]

Brake Fluid Level

So tell me. Does normal brake pad wear lower the fluid level enough to turn on the "brake problem" warning light? Second, does it just light up the dash indicator or does it trigger a limp mode?

I have a car that always turns on the indicator light as the pads wear and the fluid drops. No big deal as I just check the pads and if they've got some life left in them, just add a few drops of fluid to get rid of the warning light. But if the car went into "limp mode" that would be serious.

Thanks.

 

[Bob Denman]

it didn't throw the message when I started it, so looks like you're batting 100% Scotty. Thanks

Scotty's actually batting about 100000000000000000% :bowdown:
:bowdown::bowdown:

 

[RodO]

So tell me. Does normal brake pad wear lower the fluid level enough to turn on the "brake problem" warning light? Second, does it just light up the dash indicator or does it trigger a limp mode?

I have a car that always turns on the indicator light as the pads wear and the fluid drops. No big deal as I just check the pads and if they've got some life left in them, just add a few drops of fluid to get rid of the warning light. But if the car went into "limp mode" that would be serious.

Thanks.

I'd say that worn brake pads will not throw a warning light. My RT with 16115 km (10000 mi) is in the shop today for a new rear tire and they just called to say the rear pads are very low and should be replaced. I haven't had a warning light since topping off the fluid after it came out of hibernation.

YMMV,
Rod.


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[gypsy_100]

I'd say that worn brake pads will not throw a warning light. My RT with 16115 km (10000 mi) is in the shop today for a new rear tire and they just called to say the rear pads are very low and should be replaced. I haven't had a warning light since topping off the fluid after it came out of hibernation.

That's my point. You added fluid so of course it won't throw a light for low fluid. The question is, will it throw a light for low fluid due to worn brake pads. Your light coming out of hibernation may well have been due to the worn pads causing the fluid level to go down. You added fluid, light goes out. Correct. At least you didn't get a limp mode. That's my concern.

 

[NancysToy]

That's my point. You added fluid so of course it won't throw a light for low fluid. The question is, will it throw a light for low fluid due to worn brake pads. Your light coming out of hibernation may well have been due to the worn pads causing the fluid level to go down. You added fluid, light goes out. Correct. At least you didn't get a limp mode. That's my concern.

Yes, it can throw a warning for low fluid from any cause...including normal pad wear. The float is very small and very sensitive, and will end up even trowing a code under hard braking (g-forces). Keep the brake fluid level up to snuff. There is not much (if any) reserve capacity.

 

[gypsy_100]

Yes, it can throw a warning for low fluid from any cause...including normal pad wear. The float is very small and very sensitive, and will end up even trowing a code under hard braking (g-forces). Keep the brake fluid level up to snuff. There is not much (if any) reserve capacity.

Glad to hear it won't throw a limp mode. On the flip side, the dealer needs to know that fluid had been added before he begins pad replacement. When he pushes the pistons back into the calipers, the fluid level will become too high. Worst case overflowing. Best case, just a little too high and above the max. This will lead to fluid leaking out thru the vent system in the caps when the fluid sloshes around on any sudden directional changes -- bumps, corners, braking, etc.

Good standard practice would always have the technician keeping an eye on the fluid level. Typical practice may have him assuming that putting new pads in will just bring everything back to where it was when it left the factory, not knowing that fluid had been added.

 

[NancysToy]

Glad to hear it won't throw a limp mode. On the flip side, the dealer needs to know that fluid had been added before he begins pad replacement. When he pushes the pistons back into the calipers, the fluid level will become too high. Worst case overflowing. Best case, just a little too high and above the max. This will lead to fluid leaking out thru the vent system in the caps when the fluid sloshes around on any sudden directional changes -- bumps, corners, braking, etc.

Good standard practice would always have the technician keeping an eye on the fluid level. Typical practice may have him assuming that putting new pads in will just bring everything back to where it was when it left the factory, not knowing that fluid had been added.

I didn't say it wwouldn't cause limp mode, frankly, I don't remember. If it did, I think someone would mention it here, though. Usually not a problem anyway, because the first sign is usually under hard braking, You're slowing down anyway.

Techs should be aware of watching fluid levels. It is standard practice. A good tech puts down some plastic below the cylinder before starting, anyway. A really good tech will flush the brakes at the same time.

 

[gypsy_100]

Techs should be aware of watching fluid levels. It is standard practice. A good tech puts down some plastic below the cylinder before starting, anyway. A really good tech will flush the brakes at the same time.

IMHO, still a good idea to note that fluid has been added. You have a bit more confidence than I as to what happens in the shop. BTW, what kind of mileage are you seeing on the RT before the fluid drops enough to cause the warning, and at what mileage are you replacing brake pads, front and rear? I realize that's highly variable from rider to rider but just curious for a ballpark estimate. I'm talking RT here.