Absolutely No Brakes!!!!!

[pldouglas]

I just finished replacing my shorted out Brake Fluid Pressure Switch (BFPS)on my 2002 Coupe which cured a C1296 code on my DTC which should get my Active Handling System back. When I buttoned everything up, started my car and checked for leaks, everything looked good so I put it in gear, drove out of my garage, downhill, and when I touched the brakes---there were none. I pumped like crazy and nothing happened. If I had had the time, I would have crapped my pants. I could have put my hand out of the window and done as much good as pumping the brakes. Luckily there was no traffic on my street, so I could turn out on the street, gear down and turn it off.

I hadn't disconnected any brake lines, master cylinder is at proper level, and the brake pedal goes right to the floor. Pump it a hundred times and it still goes to the floor with a "whooshing" sound. I've never had any trouble with brakes before, ever.

What is going on? My shop manual describes the full process for bleeding the brake system, but I haven't disconnected anything and don't have any leaks. I'm perplexed. I can't even drive somewhere to get it fixed. Help!

Paul

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by pldouglas

I just finished replacing my shorted out Brake Fluid Pressure Switch (BFPS)on my 2002 Coupe which cured a C1296 code on my DTC which should get my Active Handling System back. When I buttoned everything up, started my car and checked for leaks, everything looked good so I put it in gear, drove out of my garage, downhill, and when I touched the brakes---there were none. I pumped like crazy and nothing happened. If I had had the time, I would have crapped my pants. I could have put my hand out of the window and done as much good as pumping the brakes. Luckily there was no traffic on my street, so I could turn out on the street, gear down and turn it off.

I hadn't disconnected any brake lines, master cylinder is at proper level, and the brake pedal goes right to the floor. Pump it a hundred times and it still goes to the floor with a "whooshing" sound. I've never had any trouble with brakes before, ever.

What is going on? My shop manual describes the full process for bleeding the brake system, but I haven't disconnected anything and don't have any leaks. I'm perplexed. I can't even drive somewhere to get it fixed. Help!

Paul

Check your brake fluid level, and check for leaks where the switch was replaced. If all is full and dry, start by bleeding the whole system. Good luck with it.

[vettex2]

does the pressure switch removal introduce air into the system ?
it sure sounds like it would.....
or is it connected to something mechanical instead of hydraulic ?

[pldouglas]

Before I removed the BFPS I asked C4C5 if brake fluid would leak out when I removed it. He told me that the opening was so small that virtually no fluid would leak. That was correct. No fluid leaked out at all. But given what happened when I put it back together (No Brakes), I think you are correct, the reverse happened, that air was sucked into the brake system.

Here's what has happened in the last couple of days. Sunday afternoon, I checked brake fluid level again, it had settled down about half inch, so I refilled to proper level. Started engine and checked codes, there were none. Pumped brakes many times, and lo and behold they started pumping up. Evidently the bubble of air has been cleared out and my brakes are fine now.

I am considering having the system flushed and refilled with new fluid. My car just turned over 80K miles. Any ideas pertaining to this would be appreciated.

Thanks to C4C5 and LLC5 and all of you other guys that helped.

Paul

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by pldouglas

Before I removed the BFPS I asked C4C5 if brake fluid would leak out when I removed it. He told me that the opening was so small that virtually no fluid would leak. That was correct. No fluid leaked out at all. But given what happened when I put it back together (No Brakes), I think you are correct, the reverse happened, that air was sucked into the brake system.

Here's what has happened in the last couple of days. Sunday afternoon, I checked brake fluid level again, it had settled down about half inch, so I refilled to proper level. Started engine and checked codes, there were none. Pumped brakes many times, and lo and behold they started pumping up. Evidently the bubble of air has been cleared out and my brakes are fine now.

I am considering having the system flushed and refilled with new fluid. My car just turned over 80K miles. Any ideas pertaining to this would be appreciated.

Thanks to C4C5 and LLC5 and all of you other guys that helped.

Paul

80k on brake fluid is a lot of miles, I would definately have it replaced. Also consider paying your local dealer to do it because of the problem you have had, as they can use a Tech 2 to activate the ABS solenoids and purge out any air AND old brake fluid in the ABS unit. Obviously get a complete OTD (out the door) price on the work being performed as it may not be cheap, but it would be in your best interest if it is financially possible. Good luck with it.