Brake failure?

[5PYD3R]

So I cant find a thread referring to my problem but as I apply the brake I get the "brake failure" message. A while ago I would get it as I was cruising and found a thread about adding some brake fluid. I did that and have not had another problem with that. Now I am only getting the message when I apply the brake. As soon as I let off the brake it goes away. The message stops scrolling across the screen and the light goes off. Any input would be great. I am taking it to the dealer soon finally for the recall of the evap canister and dont want to be taken advantage of with this brake issue if its something simple.

 

[bruiser]

Have you had the brake fluid changed? Has to be changed at 4500 miles or every two years. The same thing happened to my wife's RT. Had the fluid flushed and replaced and that fixed the problem. Did you check for codes?

 

[vrodrjs]

Have you had the brake fluid changed? Has to be changed at 4500 miles or every two years. The same thing happened to my wife's RT. Had the fluid flushed and replaced and that fixed the problem. Did you check for codes?

I think you are missing a zero up there. I hope so at least.

 

[bruiser]

4,500 miles.

 

[cgistudio]

The spring brake is off or is broken

 

[wyliec]

I think you are missing a zero up there. I hope so at least.

According to the updated supplement (roadster maintenance schedule booklet) for 2008-2012 spyders, it's every 14,000 miles or 2 years, whichever is first.

 

[bruiser]

I stand corrected. Now, why did I say 4500??? What was the question? Where am I?

 

[5PYD3R]

Spring brake? I have not had brakes done. Is that something I can do? Thought I remembered seeing that has to be done by dealer and hooked up to buds? Cost? The bike is an 09 and I bought it new in 2011

 

[5PYD3R]

Managed to pull fault code of- 0 C0049

 

[NancysToy]

C0049 = Low Brake Fluid

You may not have topped off your reservoir adequately. There is a very tiny difference between full and the alarm level.
You may be losing brake fluid through a leak in the system.
Your brakes may have worn enough to lower the fluid level sufficiently to cause the warning.

 

[5PYD3R]

C0049 = Low Brake Fluid

You may not have topped off your reservoir adequately. There is a very tiny difference between full and the alarm level.
You may be losing brake fluid through a leak in the system.
Your brakes may have worn enough to lower the fluid level sufficiently to cause the warning.

I guess the brakes being worn would explain why it only comes on when the brake is applied. Is it that important to have the brakes bled every two years? And is that something I can do or does it have to be done by a dealer and hooked up to BUDS?

 

[NancysToy]

I guess the brakes being worn would explain why it only comes on when the brake is applied. Is it that important to have the brakes bled every two years? And is that something I can do or does it have to be done by a dealer and hooked up to BUDS?

It can be, depending on your climate. Brake fluid picks up moisure from the air, and can corrode brake components, and reduce brake system effectiveness. Hot brakes can then boil off the water, lowering fluid levels and introducing "air" to the system.

One other possibility I forgot to mention is a bad brake reservoir switch. Check the brake fluid level first, though. It doesn't have to be very low to give you a fault upon brake application or going up or down a grade.

 

[5PYD3R]

It can be, depending on your climate. Brake fluid picks up moisure from the air, and can corrode brake components, and reduce brake system effectiveness. Hot brakes can then boil off the water, lowering fluid levels and introducing "air" to the system.

One other possibility I forgot to mention is a bad brake reservoir switch. Check the brake fluid level first, though. It doesn't have to be very low to give you a fault upon brake application or going up or down a grade.

Thanks NancysToy! Will report what I find

 

[5PYD3R]

It can be, depending on your climate. Brake fluid picks up moisure from the air, and can corrode brake components, and reduce brake system effectiveness. Hot brakes can then boil off the water, lowering fluid levels and introducing "air" to the system.

One other possibility I forgot to mention is a bad brake reservoir switch. Check the brake fluid level first, though. It doesn't have to be very low to give you a fault upon brake application or going up or down a grade.

So I finally got a chance to look at it and the back reservoir was WAY overfilled! Would this cause the problem? The front one was right on. I removed 6 1/2 tsp out of the back reservoir

 

[NancysToy]

So I finally got a chance to look at it and the back reservoir was WAY overfilled! Would this cause the problem? The front one was right on. I removed 6 1/2 tsp out of the back reservoir

Not likely the problem, although I suppose it could have inhibited float movement. Future warnings (or a lack thereof) will tell the tale.

 

[5PYD3R]

Not likely the problem, although I suppose it could have inhibited float movement. Future warnings (or a lack thereof) will tell the tale.

OK, that was not it. I can just turn the key to on wait a few seconds and the light comes on. If I sit on the bike it goes off. I get off the bike and it turns back on???

 

[5PYD3R]

Just got back from a ride and it definitely seems like a bad sensor/switch. The light comes on as I stop and goes off as I accelerate. Almost seems to me its when the bikes dives in the front from stopping or even just sitting on it parked and rocking it forward it will come on. Then when you rock it back/get off the bike while parked it will go off. I am stumped and have no clue what to start looking for.

 

[NancysToy]

Just got back from a ride and it definitely seems like a bad sensor/switch. The light comes on as I stop and goes off as I accelerate. Almost seems to me its when the bikes dives in the front from stopping or even just sitting on it parked and rocking it forward it will come on. Then when you rock it back/get off the bike while parked it will go off. I am stumped and have no clue what to start looking for.

This is the classic sign of low brake fluid...even just a teensy tiny bit low. Check the reservoir again. If you are absolutely sure it is up to or over the "ledge", have your dealer test and replace the float switch(es) as necessary.

 

[5PYD3R]

This is the classic sign of low brake fluid...even just a teensy tiny bit low. Check the reservoir again. If you are absolutely sure it is up to or over the "ledge", have your dealer test and replace the float switch(es) as necessary.

Might be time for the dealer to take a look. The back reservoir is a hair over max and the front is just below max. I have a whole bottle from the last time I added it but if I remember correctly, I cant use that now that its been opened and sitting for a bit?

 

[NancysToy]

Might be time for the dealer to take a look. The back reservoir is a hair over max and the front is just below max. I have a whole bottle from the last time I added it but if I remember correctly, I cant use that now that its been opened and sitting for a bit?

Just below max will do it. Buy a new bottle of fluid and top it off. I'm betting your warning will go away. The brake fluid is cheaper than the visit to the dealer.