Brake Failure

[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]

The things I learn here

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]

another Reason Teddy & I LOVE this forum

:firstplace:The SpyderLovers Community are the BEST:bowdown:​

 

[steve635]

Heh, Heh

"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.......:clap::roflblack:

 

[steve635]

Way I feel on this forum.

""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."

This also describes the way I feel on this forum, so much to learn, so little to contribute. At some event, someday, I'm going to buy just about everyone on this forum a frosty brew. What the heck did we do before the internet?

 

[BajaRon]

""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."

This also describes the way I feel on this forum, so much to learn, so little to contribute. At some event, someday, I'm going to buy just about everyone on this forum a frosty brew. What the heck did we do before the internet?

Believe me, before the Internet you suffered in silence because your choices were few and your information came from a dark cave where they grew mushrooms!

The mushroom caves still exist at some less than stellar dealerships, but they are finding it just doen't fly like it used to. Why? Because of people like Lamont who has been there, done that and want's you and I to be informed.

Remember Vey at the Kawasaki dealership Lamont! The first great motorcycle mechanic I ever met.

 

[joet82]

The Owners Manual says that it is due to low brake fluid or a faulty sensor....but....

I had the message come up while on my way back from SpyderFest in Colorado. I knew it was low brake fluid and decided to wait. when I took off from Denver, I stopped at RPM Motorsports and they let me top off my fluid with an open bottle of DOT4 they had and I was back on the road, but the message continued to scroll. Brakes were working fine, so I continued on my way to California. Checked it that night and fluid levels were fine. Puzzling.

I had it in my dealership here in San Diego and had them bleed the brakes today and the brake fluid was white. but the bleeding has fixed the problem. still kinda curious why it's white, but wikipedia didn't come up with anything about it. lol

 

[NancysToy]

The Owners Manual says that it is due to low brake fluid or a faulty sensor....but....

I had the message come up while on my way back from SpyderFest in Colorado. I knew it was low brake fluid and decided to wait. when I took off from Denver, I stopped at RPM Motorsports and they let me top off my fluid with an open bottle of DOT4 they had and I was back on the road, but the message continued to scroll. Brakes were working fine, so I continued on my way to California. Checked it that night and fluid levels were fine. Puzzling.

I had it in my dealership here in San Diego and had them bleed the brakes today and the brake fluid was white. but the bleeding has fixed the problem. Still kinda curious why it's white, but wikipedia didn't come up with anything about it. lol

The most common cause of that alarm is low brake fluid, but for the idiot light alone there are other possible causes, including sensor or communications issues, low brake pressure, or even a parking brake cable coming loose. The white was likely either tiny air bubbles trapped in the fluid (leading to low brake pressure), or moisture contamination of the fluid. Could have come from that opened can of DOT4. Never use an opened can of brake fluid. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, and will absorb moisture from the air. That is also the reason brakes need to be flushed periodically. Glad your problem was resolved.

 

[flamingobabe]

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!!

our dealer charges $49.95 to hook up to buds....crazy!!!

 

[NancysToy]

our dealer charges $49.95 to hook up to buds....crazy!!!

Your Ford or Chevy dealer charges $80-$100 to hook up the diagnostics. I guess it's not that crazy.

 

[BajaRon]

our dealer charges $49.95 to hook up to buds....crazy!!!

What do they charge to unhook it?! :roflblack: