Brake Failure message

I was riding to work Thursday morning when a brake failure message scrolled across my display. I was not using the brakes at that moment and thought it was very odd. The message popped up three more times on my way to work, but never while I was actually using the brakes. On my way home that afternoon the message never appeared. The next morning I rode the spyder to work and again had the message. On the way home nothing. My brake pads are in good shape and do not appear to be dragging on the rotors. I have plenty of stopping power and the brake pedal does not feel spongy. Does anybody have any idea what the issue might be?

Just sayin'...........

:thumbup:dang chad, i'd take it to the dealer for sure!!

​It could be that as you are riding to work you are going slightly uphill and that is telling your brake sensor that your fluid is low. As you are riding home, the fluid could be telling the sensor that your fluid level is OK. I would check the brake fluid before taking to dealer. If it looks a little low, top off and then take your ride to work to see if that takes care of it.

Check the fluid level just a little low like a teaspoon and it will bring the message up.

I Forgot to mention that the temperature in the morning was in the low 50's and on the way home the temp was in the low 80's. I was thinking brake fluid could possibly be the culprit.

Just sayin'...........

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Originally Posted by JKMSPYDER

​It could be that as you are riding to work you are going slightly uphill and that is telling your brake sensor that your fluid is low. As you are riding home, the fluid could be telling the sensor that your fluid level is OK. I would check the brake fluid before taking to dealer. If it looks a little low, top off and then take your ride to work to see if that takes care of it.

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:agree::agree:

Cruzr Joe

Another vote for checking the brake fluid. Temp changes could have something to do if there is expansion/contraction of the fluid.

My brake failure warnings have always occurred when I go down a particular mountain pass with a severe grade. :yikes::yikes: It was always low fluid--usually less than a tbsp.

has to do with the level. Be it the incline, brake wear or temp check the level and top off. Make sure you put the caps on correctly they are vented (vent goes up). :thumbup:

Hates inclines & is hypersensative:banghead:. Careful adding it can be quite caustic! Prolly wont need more than a tbl spoon , be sure caps are on right after. If hou gotta try dealer, so be it.

These sure are temperamental machines, aren't they? Clean around the cap before opening it and like Bfomla said be careful not to spill any on your paint.

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Originally Posted by otter28169

I was riding to work Thursday morning when a brake failure message scrolled across my display. I was not using the brakes at that moment and thought it was very odd. The message popped up three more times on my way to work, but never while I was actually using the brakes. On my way home that afternoon the message never appeared. The next morning I rode the spyder to work and again had the message. On the way home nothing. My brake pads are in good shape and do not appear to be dragging on the rotors. I have plenty of stopping power and the brake pedal does not feel spongy. Does anybody have any idea what the issue might be?

Just sayin'...........

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Hey Otter,

What ever happened to your issue? I got the same message right after i did a fill up at the gas station. But it just stayed on and never went off. im gonna check the brake fluid also and see if that helps any. Brakes themselves seem to be working just fine.

thanks,
Fas

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Originally Posted by fas2000

Hey Otter,

What ever happened to your issue? I got the same message right after i did a fill up at the gas station. But it just stayed on and never went off. im gonna check the brake fluid also and see if that helps any. Brakes themselves seem to be working just fine.

thanks,
Fas

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Fluid was good. Checked it a couple weeks back. Codes went away, but I was worried. Haven't ridden much since the rally, but I tried to set the parking brake (while adjusting headlights) and I have no tension in the pedal. I do not use my brakes much and I am wondering if the slides in the rear caliper are set up. My reasoning is that if you ride with your foot resting on the brake pedal the spyder will scroll the brake failure message. I am going to take the rear brakes apart tomorrow or Tuesday and lubricate the caliper slides and see where I stand. I will post when I get more info.

Just sayin'...........

So, I got at it last night in the shop and was surprised by my findings. It only takes a few minutes to get the rear caliper off and when I did, I found that my pads were quite worn. I am very shocked, as I have about 11,000 miles on them. My father took one for the team and rode up to Ingles' in Phoenix, NY today to pick up a set of oem pads (I got 25,000 miles out of the original set w/no issues). I am going to get the rear pads replaced, and then check on the fronts. There was a little wear on the slides, but nothing that should cause the pads to hang up. The rotors on all three wheels look good, and I have pressure at the pedal. I will not be able to get it done tonight; my son has football practice, and I have practice with the Mid-York Concert Band. I will check in again tomorrow when I get a look at the fronts.

Just sayin'............

brake fluid, had the same message, nothing wrong with the brakes , just set off the light. KINDA FREAKY, heading out for a ride. just top it off , about a table spoon if that , DO NOT SPILL , and the idiot light should go off. Good luck. Does not take hardly anything to set it off ....

Yea i got the brake failure message and checked the brake fluid it looked a little low. I added a little and still had the message so i added a little more and i still had the message. Now its up to the bottom of the cap and still have the message. I checked both sensors to make sure there was no damage and the connections to make sure they were connected. I pulled the the code C1282 that just says low pressure in brake lines and to check for leaks. Done that, no leaks i've driven it around for two days now with brake failure message and there in no loss of brake fluid in master cylinder so whatever im not taking it to the dealer unless brakes stop working.

They can reset that sensor with BUDS. At the dealer of course.

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Originally Posted by Ssd

Yea i got the brake failure message and checked the brake fluid it looked a little low. I added a little and still had the message so i added a little more and i still had the message. Now its up to the bottom of the cap and still have the message. I checked both sensors to make sure there was no damage and the connections to make sure they were connected. I pulled the the code C1282 that just says low pressure in brake lines and to check for leaks. Done that, no leaks i've driven it around for two days now with brake failure message and there in no loss of brake fluid in master cylinder so whatever im not taking it to the dealer unless brakes stop working.

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This is pretty common. You need to flush the brakes. Your fluid is contaminated and nanny is not seeing the pressure she should for a given pedal position. She is pretty smart on this one. You should flush the fluid every year.