Just did a 30k miles gravity flush on all 4 wheel cylinders after siphoning out the master cylinder. Followed the RR, LF,LR,RF method, letting each one drain until clean fluid came thru, all the while adding new fluid to the master so it never went dry at all. I used DOT 4 , not 3, and brakes work fine except I have the DIC flashing that the brake fluid needs attention and the active handling needs service. Pressing the reset clears the DIC, but the indicator lights for brakes and active handling are still on.
What did I do wrong (hope not the DOT 4), or do I just need to find someone who can clear the codes ?

Thanks for the help.

 

ABS module needs to be cleared with Tech 2

 

I don't think that would cause those lights to light. I had air in my ABS module and the only thing I noticed was a spongy pedal.

Since you were working on the car I would suspect something got bumped or disconnected. Here is what the Check Brake Fluid message means:

Brake Warning System Description and Operation
Brake System Indicators and Messages
Brake Warning Indicator
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the brake warning indicator when the following occurs:
• The IPC detects that the park brake is applied. The park brake switch signal circuit is pulled to ground.
• The IPC detects a low brake fluid condition. The brake fluid level sensor signal circuit is pulled to ground for 15 seconds.
• The electronic brake control module (EBCM) detects a malfunction with the antilock brake system. The IPC receives a serial data message from the EBCM requesting illumination.
• The IPC detects a loss of communications with the EBCM.
• The IPC performs the bulb check at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicators illuminate for approximately 5 seconds.
• The Display Test is performed with a scan tool.

CHECK BRAKE FLUID Message
The driver information center (DIC) displays the CHECK BRAKE FLUID message when the IPC detects that the brake fluid level is below the normal operating range for 15 seconds.

Besides the wheels where the wheel speed sensors are located the only other place it sounds like you were working is at the master cylinder reservoir. If a wheel speed sensor was disturbed you would have more messages than you indicate you have seen and you wouldn't have a Check Brake Fluid message. It seems you may have disturbed the brake fluid level sensor which is on driver's side of the master cylinder reservoir. Make sure the connector is seated correctly. You can see it on the side of the reservoir if you look down past the windshield washer fill tube.



Bill

 

I checked the connector at master cylinder & it was fine. Even disconnected & reconnected. The Ck brake fluid/service active handling message comes on about 15 seconds after start-up.
I went to autozone & advance auto to see if they could clear it, but az had no scanner for this, only engine codes, and adv auto could not get theirs to communicate with the car.
guess I will bite the bullet & see the dealer.
Thx all.

 

I don't like suggesting throwing parts at a problem but it is tempting in this case. GM Parts House has a price of $11.08 plus shipping for the fluid level switch. At that price it might be worth it to take a stab in the dark and replace the switch.

Bill

 

Is the fluid level sensor on the side of the reservoir bottle? If so, is it situated where it could have been hit by the siphon tube? I don't know how it is positioned as I haven't looked at mine, just a thought.

 

actually, you're all correct to some degree...the float had stuck in down position & needed a whack (thats a technical term) on the side of the master cylinder to free it, scanner cleared the code out.
thx for the help.