!!! Help !!! Brake failure warning light on

[Woooodentop]

Today out riding in dry conditions
Brake failure warning light came on .
Lost servo operation.
Rear brake light is on constantly
Fluid level OK.

Any idea's

 

[DrFarkoff]

check your brake switches!

Especially that the front one is not being kept on by your handgaurd holding th elever on slightly

 

[John Armstrong]

When exactly did the brake problem start? Eg after starting the engine, out on the road 30 mins from start up etc etc.

But I'd check the front / rear brakes aren't been applied by something first

 

[Woooodentop]

Bike had been running fine for about 80 miles, stopped for a pee break, problem was there on start up. Bike freewheels OK.Have taken out rear bulb and warning light is still on.

 

[Woooodentop]

Checked these, all seems OK

 

[Pukmeister]

Could be lots of things.

The fluid level within the ABS pump itself could be low, it has its own internal reservoirs for the brake wheel hydraulic circuits (NOT to be confused with the handlebar/rear reservoirs which are pilot hydraulic ciruits).

Battery voltage could be low, causing ABS electronics to malfunction.

If brake light is on constantly, that strongly suggests either front or rear brake lever/pedal switch contacts are closed. Maybe a squirt of WD40 on front brake lever microswitch and rear pedal operating switch might be worth a try as an easy fix.
Also, try pushing the front brake lever towards the handguard as far as it can go. It doesn't take much for the microswitches to stick due to dirt etc.

Best option is to get a diagnostic test with a GS 911 device or at BMW dealer on a GT1 computer test machine if all else fails.

 

[GSmonkey]

You'll get the warning light because the bike thinks it has a brake applied therefore it won't pass the initial startup sequence. As above, likely one of the contacts on the front or rear brake.

 

[leinsterrugby]

Bike had been running fine for about 80 miles, stopped for a pee break, problem was there on start up. Bike freewheels OK.Have taken out rear bulb and warning light is still on.

Had the exact same problem myself yesterday - lost servos and most of my braking power. Beemers yo gotta love them!

 

[markg0vbr]

check your brake switches!

Especially that the front one is not being kept on by your handgaurd holding th elever on slightly

get the bike on the centre stand, spray easing oil up along the brake leaver and give it a good working up and down until the rear light goes out. mine has done it a few times.

 

[Woooodentop]

Did you find out wot caused it?

 

[Woooodentop]

Spot on markg0vbr, this worked, all OK now

 

[MacJ]

I just Love this Forum!

Parked the bike up for a few minutes this afternoon. When I came back and started up the dreaded 'Brake Failure' and Brake light on permanently. Rode home very carefully with no servo and logged on here.
Read this thread and Bingo! I recalled just clipping the right side hand guard as I parked up and sure enough it had twisted onto the brake lever activating the switch!
Problem solved - sigh of relief and I'm off out on the road again.
Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[swissrob]

tighten up the bar end then its a lot harder to move the handguard so it then shouldnt touch the brake lever unless u tip the bike over and mash the guard

 

[MacJ]

Swissrob - Thanks for that I'll give it a go this morning. I'm not very happy with the handguards on mine (it's an 04) and was thinking of replacing them. Can the 08 type be retrofitted.
I think I saw something about it last year. I'd damaged one of mine and couldn't get a replacement then. I've now fixed it so didn't follow up the replacement.