Help Need Info on Brake Failure - 2001 V70 T5M

J5T · Post by **J5T** » 04 Jan 2009, 12:05

I have just started to get in the Message center a 'Brake Failure' warning. The red brake idiot light comes on at the same time. It only lasts for a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Some days it does not come on at all. I have check the pads on the brakes all around, the fluid level is well within spec, no leaks, and it brakes normal (meaning no pluses, low pressure, pulling, draging, and the ABS/STC appears to be working fine). I still have an airbag warning message and light which the dealer says I need a new airbag (driver seat) and seat belt buckle to the tune of U$1500! I have to get this fixed before I can turn off the DRLs. I just threw this out there in case it matters with the brakes.

I do not like all the CAN high speed/low speed stuff with the P2 Volvo. Wish I still had the 99 T5M.

Anywho, info on where to look or what the problem is, would be most helpful.

Danke.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jan 2009, 14:16

Wish I knew the answers to your questions but I don't.

Maybe someone will post who does.
In the meantime, I would be inclined to take my V70 to an independent Volvo shop for a second opinion. So many things the dealer wants to make money on- could be something quite simple, but than again, maybe not.

Post by **VCA** » 04 Jan 2009, 15:08

J5T wrote:I have just started to get in the Message center a 'Brake Failure' warning. The red brake idiot light comes on at the same time. It only lasts for a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Some days it does not come on at all. I have check the pads on the brakes all around, the fluid level is well within spec, no leaks, and it brakes normal (meaning no pluses, low pressure, pulling, draging, and the ABS/STC appears to be working fine). I still have an airbag warning message and light which the dealer says I need a new airbag (driver seat) and seat belt buckle to the tune of U$1500! I have to get this fixed before I can turn off the DRLs. I just threw this out there in case it matters with the brakes.

I do not like all the CAN high speed/low speed stuff with the P2 Volvo. Wish I still had the 99 T5M.

Anywho, info on where to look or what the problem is, would be most helpful.

Danke.

"Brake failure, stop safely" can be related to the BCM (Brake Control Module) or CEM faults. Has the car been scanned for codes since you started receiving brake failure warnings?

J5T · Post by **J5T** » 04 Jan 2009, 18:15

I got this car in late October, was at the dealer in Nov because I wanted the DRLs off, 24hr clock, and °C for temp. I was told that I could have the DRLs off because the rear CAN or something was not communiticating with the computer. When they were done the airbag light was on and I was told that it had been triggered many time. Never saw it the short month that I had the car and driven it about 1300 miles. So it had to come back to the shop. They had it for a couple of days in December and I was told that it needs a driver side airbag and seat belt buckle. U$1500. They would have to replace this before they could go on to see why they could not turn off the DRLs, why the power seat motors only work the first 20secs when opening the car door, and why the auto dim mirror did not work. No mention of problems with the brakes. The brake problem is new shows up only sometimes and for a few moments... thus far.

I am working on getting a seat but they cost a neat nickle. I will go from there but I do not need any brake failures. Really starting to dislike this car.

Thanks for you inputs.

JT

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jan 2009, 18:25

You need to change your perspective and dislike the dealer and not the car...I stick with my original comment. I really do believe that these guys are trying to take you for all you're willing to pay them. What really angers me is that they are the ones that caused the SRS and they claim it's been coming on for awhile...this code either sets or it doesn't- there are no readiness codes for it as it's a major safety item. This whole situation of yours is worth calling Volvo of North America and levying a formal complaint- I'm serious. In the meantime, avoid these guys....they are crooks.

Oh, and from what I understand, the DRL's is a simple procedure unrelated to any of the things you mentioned went wrong with your car because of taking it to this particular dealer. We're seeing more of this kind of thing as dealerships are sulfuring due to the downturn in the economy.

Post by **VCA** » 04 Jan 2009, 18:39

MadeInJapan wrote:You need to change your perspective and dislike the dealer and not the car...I stick with my original comment. I really do believe that these guys are trying to take you for all you're willing to pay them. What really angers me is that they are the ones that caused the SRS and they claim it's been coming on for awhile...this code either sets or it doesn't- there are no readiness codes for it as it's a major safety item. This whole situation of yours is worth calling Volvo of North America and levying a formal complaint- I'm serious. In the meantime, avoid these guys....they are crooks. Oh, and from what I understand, the DRL's is a simple procedure unrelated to any of the things you mentioned went wrong with your car because of taking it to this particular dealer. We're seeing more of this kind of thing as dealerships are sulfuring due to the downturn in the economy.

Agreed with MIJ, this sounds like a certain dealer in Orlando that got bought by a certain other dealer well known for this sort of stuff.

They are technically correct, in that all DTCs have to be cleared and all modules communicating in order for VIDA to download software. However, I've had my dealer load software by merely clearing codes and then downloading the software (I had a ECM-4050 about the fuel level sensor). So yes, your dealer sounds like a less-than-honest operation. Find another, or find a shop with VIDA (more and more independents seem to have the system subscriptions).

J5T · Post by **J5T** » 06 Jan 2009, 15:05

Thanks for all the help. I will see what the dealer says.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jan 2009, 17:51

Hope you meant "different" dealer, if this is who you took it to begin with.