Brake failure once again

[irataylor]

I bought a used 2008 spyder bac before Xmas. I spent some time getting used to driving it. Took it to work the other day and had a great time showing it off. On my way home, I got th "Brake failue" code. Made for a nail biting drive home. I checked the brake fluid level and even added a little, but the code did not reset. So I guess I will call brp and get the trike towed into see what's up. I haven't got the ECM upgraded yet, so I guess I could get that done. Earlier posts talked about a relay coming lose, but I don't know where it is to check it.

 

[docdoru]

welcome
Could be the brake pads? Service time anyway.

 

[NancysToy]

There can be a couple of easy causes to check. First is the brake fluid level again. The Spyder is very sensitive to brake fluid level. It can look full, but the sensor may think it is low. Be sure to top it off well. Another reason for the warning could be a parking brake that is way out of adjustment. If it takes many clicks to set the brake, it may have gone too far and triggered the warning. Adjusting the parking brake to set in a click or two may cure your indication, if the brake pads aren't too worn. Worn out brake pads, front or rear, can do the same thing, too. Make sure they are up to spec. There is no fuse that directly affects the brakes. That would be unsafe. If the VSS pump fuse goes, it could do it, but I think that would trigger a VSS warning, too.

If it is not something simple, that can be cleared at home, I suggest you have it trailered to a dealer for service. It is not a good idea to ride a machine with a brake warning, even if you think the brakes work fine. Could be air or a leak in the system, or some other failure, which could cause the brakes to fail unexpectedly, just when you need them.

 

[barb36jack31]

Welcome back!

This is for Scotty - I have been away from this site for some time now. The last I heard was that you had left the website because of some of the negative comments about the Spyder. Anyway, I am glad to see you again offering comments about the Spyder. They are informative and are enjoyed by all.

Jack H.

 

[Wheelz]

since its used, I bet your pads need changing. Once your pads gets past its wear point, you set off the "low pressure" switch since the brake piston is at its max stroke. You can temporarily "reset" this warning light until you get them replaced. With the Spyder off, pump your brake lever until you reach maximum resistence. Put some muscle into it. You might or might not hear the pressure switch "click". Power on the Spyder and check to see if that brake failure message scroll disappeared. It might take a couple of trys. One thing to do if you're mechanically inclined, remove one of the front wheels and do a quick visual inspection on the pads. If you're less than a 1/4'', replace them.

 

[sylblk]

brake system bleed

i had brake system faults every 3 or 4 k miles since new on my 08 se5. bleeding the rear brake would cure it until the next 3k miles. the full system bleed as per shop manual ( complicated and done by dealer under warranty ) fully solved problem. the brake pedal would feel abnormally soft just before fault warnings.

 

[irataylor]

Well I am towing it into the dealer tomorrow.

 

[irataylor]

Well found out that once I topped off the brake fluid, the brake failure error code had to be reset via computer. Got a full service done and its ready. Just have to wait until the icey weather clears tomorrow, so I can't wait until Saturday. I'll have wheels again

 

[RoadHammer]

So it was just your fluid level?

 

[irataylor]

Yes. The dealer said that the code was fluid level related. And they had to reset the code.