[GDHS60T]

01 s60 2.4 auto 170k miles. So I replaced calipers, pads, rotors all the way around recently after the calipers started ceasing. Good times. Suddenly I'm getting a service message stating: 'brake failure, service urgent' and the red 'brake' indicator in the bottom right of the cluster comes on as well. It happened once when I hit the brakes pretty hard to avoid bottoming out on an unmarked speed hump. It has happened twice again, both times on the hard bank right of an interstate exit ramp. The message is only present for about 5-6 seconds so no ability to grab a pic.

No codes stored (non-VIDA OBDII). I had a mechanic (not a Volvo specialist. I know, I know) look at the calipers and they said everything looks fine, that the calipers are operating properly. This morning when I backed out of a parking spot I could feel that a brake was slightly engaged and I heard a light squeal. I also had new e-brake shoes and cable installed. Could a malfunctioning e-brake cause the message? Any thoughts on what would be causing this? Thanks in advance for your assistance. GH

 

[VolvoFaRmeR]

Sounds like you have low brake fluid level, or the level sensor is going out. I've seen this many times over the years, and under hard braking (require a large amount of fluid to be pulled out to move the calipers all the way closed) or when turning hard and the fluid sloshes it moves away from the sensor triggering the warning. No, a parking brake or even a bad caliper or pads don't trigger that warning....really only a catastrophic failure of the brake booster, ABS computer, or low fluid level will trigger this message. it's basic function is to detect if the brake fluid is leaking out and to warn you to stop before all the fluid is gone and you loose all your brakes (forcing you to use the park brake as a last resort). It's highly likely you nave no mechanical problems, just low fluid or a bad level sensor.

 

[GDHS60T]

Thanks VolvoFarmer. The fluid was a bit low. Maybe a bubble from the recent work. I topped off so we'll see how that does. Am I right in thinking that the sensor is in the cap?

 

[05s60awd25t]

I had a message either similar or the same that was because I had low brake fluid levels. Topped it up and no issues since in a few years time.

 

[VolvoFaRmeR]

I can't remember where the sensor is....look for the electrical wiring plug....that's where it is. With all your brake work I'm guessing the system didn't get all the air out 100%, the reservoir was filled, but now the air is purged and the level has gone down. Very common.

 

[GDHS60T]

Thanks all for your feedback.