I got a Brake Failure message! Code C0048 - Any suggestions?

[oldguyinTX]

Yesterday, I got the Brake Failure! message on the screen, with the flashing exclamation point on the left. I was on a slight downhill slope. The code was C0048 which is not listed in Spydercodes, nor is it on the list provided by Lamont. The brakes felt fine to me. Pulled the key, walked away for a bit, started the Spyder back up, the error message was gone, screen cleared and all seems fine. After doing a search here, it seems to me that the consensus is that these machines are extremely sensitive to the brake fluid level, especially when the Spyder is not level. When I checked, the brake fluid level was below max, but above min. So, off to the auto parts store for some DOT 4 brake fluid, top it off, and see what happens. Really don't want to make a trip to the dealer. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[BajaRon]

If your brake fluid was the least bit low. It is very likely that you have resolved the problem.

 

[JayBros]

Here is the info on code C0048, courtesy of another SL contributor, but also requires B.U.D.S. for anything other than adding fluid:

C0048 VCM Description: Low brake fluid sensor
Failure
Possible causes

Brake fluid level sensor (OLS1 or OLS2) failure.

Service actions

Verify brake fluid level in both reservoirs
For proper fluid fill
Disconnect OLS1 and OLS2.
Measure resistance between pin 1 and 2 of brake
Fluid level switch (expected value 4,42k ohms
With correct fluid level)
Disconnect VCM connector.
Measure resistance between VCM-4 and GND
(Expected value > open)

I suggest following the recommendations of other posters who recommend using an eye dropper or teaspoon to add DOT 4 brake fluid, of course being extra careful to prevent fluid from contacting any Spyder paint.

 

[oldguyinTX]

Here is the info on code C0048, courtesy of another SL contributor, but also requires B.U.D.S. for anything other than adding fluid:

C0048 VCM Description: Low brake fluid sensor
Failure
Possible causes

Brake fluid level sensor (OLS1 or OLS2) failure.

Service actions

Verify brake fluid level in both reservoirs
For proper fluid fill
Disconnect OLS1 and OLS2.
Measure resistance between pin 1 and 2 of brake
Fluid level switch (expected value 4,42k ohms


With correct fluid level)
Disconnect VCM connector.
Measure resistance between VCM-4 and GND
(Expected value > open)

I suggest following the recommendations of other posters who recommend using an eye dropper or teaspoon to add DOT 4 brake fluid, of course being extra careful to prevent fluid from contacting any Spyder paint.

Thanks for the info. I will add the brake fluid & see if it occurs again. If so, I guess it's off to the dealer.

EDIT: Dealer agrees that they are very sensitive to low brake fluid levels, and to just top it off. He also said to use an eyedropper to add fluid. If the problem persists, they will come get it - for free - and try to run down the problem.

 

[jtoro1]

Here is the info on code C0048, courtesy of another SL contributor, but also requires B.U.D.S. for anything other than adding fluid:


I have been able to clear the other brake failure with out the buds any one that needs the info PM me

 

[billybovine]

Some comments.

Others have you in the right direction. Low brake fluid. Adding some will get you back on track.
Removing the key and going for a stroll is a waste of time and effort. If this make you feel better, so be it. For others just turning the key off for 30 seconds will do the same thing.
After adding brake fluid. Make sure the reservoir caps are put on correctly or they will leak. The vents should face the rear.

Incorrect, vents facing the side.




Incorrect, vents facing the front.




This is the correct orientation of the caps. Facing approximately the rear of the Spyder.

 

[Chief-J]

Brake Code Too

I too received a Brake Code of C1282, checked for leakes, fluid levels, etc. Code would not go away. Bike is in shop trying to figure out whats going on. No word yet.

 

[Chupaca]

Well....

those warnings come on for many reasons and mix and match as I have found. You were on a downward slope causing the fluid to move and may be it was low . the other common reason is one may ride the brake pedal feeling safer at the ready. If the warnings go away after the computers reset and don't return I call them glitches. I have gotten a few differnt ones and have in the most part figued out why nanny threw them...but she's a tricky gal the nanny with a mind of her own....:thumbup:

 

[BajaRon]

Also, check to see that the rubber accordion cups under the caps are not extended. If they are extended, be sure to push them back to their original position.

 

[bronzeflex42]

I had the brake failure warning light come on after i removed the side castings to have them chromed over a year ago. (You know you have to wiggle it around the master cylinder to get the right side off). I topped off the reservoir with a little bit of brake fluid and the warning light never came on again. hyea:hyea:

 

[oldguyinTX]

Just for information, each reservoir need about 4 tablespoons of brake fluid, so I'm thinking that was the problem. I hope.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

AMOUNT OF FLUID

Just for information, each reservoir need about 4 tablespoons of brake fluid, so I'm thinking that was the problem. I hope.

WOW ....that is more than most ...........IMHO...I would check the PADS depending on what you already know about them ( wear wise ).......Mike :bbq:

 

[Trbayth]

Just for information, each reservoir need about 4 tablespoons of brake fluid, so I'm thinking that was the problem. I hope.

4 tablespoons in each reservoir? That sounds like a lot.

 

[IGETAROUND]

4 tablespoons in each reservoir? That sounds like a lot.

Old Guy

​How many miles and are they the original brakes??

Al

 

[oldguyinTX]

Old Guy

​How many miles and are they the original brakes??

Al

16 K with original pads. Dealer checked them at 14 K & said they were fine. I don't brake heavily unless forced to - such as when an idiot in a cage turns or pulls out from a side street right in front of me. Think I will take a close look at them tomorrow since the weather is supposed to be crappy and the Spyder will be in the garage anyway.

 

[Bfromla]

WOW ....that is more than most ...........IMHO...I would check the PADS depending on what you already know about them ( wear wise ).......Mike :bbq:

I Second that. (I hope it was typo tablespoon instead of teaspoon) The hard to get for the brake fluid is a true level stance. Correct air pressure in all tires & putting fluid in with no mess. That much fluid should bring concern not just for amount but the delay of the alert. Fyi many others have reported adding barely less than teaspoon some just drops from eye dropper & fixed the alert. Do you hear any additional sounds? Squeals or grinding?? If you know another dealer close by to try a second opinion it would be in your best interest to visit soon.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I read that to mean that the reservoir requires 4 tablespoons of brake fluid as opposed to that he had to add 4 tablespoons of fluid.

Cruzr Joe

 

[Bob Denman]

Joe,
You're probably right; he would have had SCREAMING warning lights, if the fluid had gotten that low! nojoke

Your dealer is 147% correct: use an eyedropper to add the fluid. It'll keep you from spilling any of it onto all of the painted parts underneath the reservoirs! :yikes:
And please double-check that the caps are oriented correctly. (As Billy explained. :thumbup

 

[oldguyinTX]

I read that to mean that the reservoir requires 4 tablespoons of brake fluid as opposed to that he had to add 4 tablespoons of fluid.

Cruzr Joe

WHOOPS!! My Bad. It was 4 teaspoons of brake fluid per reservoir. I used a medication dosage cup -very small - which has a marking line at 2 teaspoons. Really easy to use, no spillage. So, to be clear, I filled the cup to the 2 teaspoon line twice for each reservoir. Sorry for the mix-up.

EDIT: I did make sure that the caps were oriented correctly. (Thanks for the pics Billy) No sounds at all from the brakes, pedal feel and travel felt normal, not spongy, and the brakes worked just fine even with the warning on the screen.

 

[Bfromla]

WHOOPS!! My Bad. It was 4 teaspoons of brake fluid per reservoir. I used a medication dosage cup -very small - which has a marking line at 2 teaspoons. Really easy to use, no spillage. So, to be clear, I filled the cup to the 2 teaspoon line twice for each reservoir. Sorry for the mix-up.

EDIT: I did make sure that the caps were oriented correctly. (Thanks for the pics Billy) No sounds at all from the brakes, pedal feel and travel felt normal, not spongy, and the brakes worked just fine even with the warning on the screen.

So this mean your allgood now?:firstplace::2thumbs: