Renault Braking System Fault [Meaning & Practical Fix]

Renault dashboard error messages, particularly the ‘Braking System Fault,’ indicate potential issues with your vehicle.

Drawing from extensive experience with Renault models, this article will explain the meaning behind this specific error, its common causes, and effective solutions.

Explaining the Braking System Fault Alert in Detail

The short and simple answer is that your Renault ECU has detected an issue with the braking system of your vehicle and is trying to tell you about it.

The ECU is basically the brain of your car; it controls many of the systems that make up the running of your Renault, including braking, power steering, and even the engine and transmission.

As such, if something goes wrong with one of these components, then it will be picked up by the ECU and displayed on its screen as an error message.

Your Renault’s braking system consists of components such as brake pads, discs, calipers, abs, master cylinders, and more. If there is an issue with one of these, a “braking system fault” will be shown to you.

Braking System Fault on a Renault Causes

Now that I have clarified what this means, let’s look at the most common causes based on my experience working with Renault vehicles.

1. Brake Pad Sensor Disconnected or Failing:

The most common reason for a braking system fault on a Renault is a brake pad sensor that has failed or becomes disconnected.

This can happen if you have recently replaced the brakes or rotors on your Renault but failed to secure them properly.

The sensor will read zero when this happens, and the ECU will think that there is no pressure in the system.

However, it is possible for another sensor in your brake system to fail at the same time, which would cause other error codes on your dashboard.

2. Bad ABS Sensor:

ABS, which stands for an Anti-lock braking system, also known as a wheel speed sensor (on older cars), is a system that helps prevent wheels from locking up while braking.

When the ABS sensor fails, it can cause the car to pull in one direction or another when you are braking. These are known to fail over time, and when they do, a “Braking system Fault” message will come up.

3. Bad Battery or Low Voltage:

Since the braking system on your Renault is electronically controlled, the computer needs a consistent flow of power. If your battery is old, it might not be able to provide enough voltage, and this can cause a “Brake system fault” message on your dashboard.

4. Low Brake Fluid:

Brake fluid is vital for the operation of your brakes. If the fluid is low or dirty, it can cause a “Brake system fault” message on your Renault. You should always check your brake fluid level regularly and top up as needed.

5. Worn Brake Pads:

This is obvious and straightforward since worn brake pads are easier to spot. Brake pads are responsible for contacting the brake disc and slowing you down.

If your brake pads are worn out, they will not be able to make good contact with the surface of your wheel, and this can cause a “Brake system fault” message on your dashboard. Sings your Renault’s brake pads need changing includes the following:

1. A grinding/ squeaky noise when you apply the brakes
2. pulsing feeling when you apply the brakes
3. The brake pedal feels soft and spongy.
4. The pads look thin.

6. Damaged Brake Discs (Rotors):

Your brakes work by using friction between the braking system and the brake discs.

If your brake discs are damaged, they will not be able to make good contact with the surface of your wheel and this can cause a fault in the braking system.

How to Clear and Reset this Fault on a Renault

Here are a few steps that I personally recommend you take in order to fix your Renault brake system fault:

1. Start by checking the brake fluid levels in your car. If it is low, then top it off and turn off the vehicle to see if the message goes away.
2. Check the battery voltage; if the voltage is low, have the battery changed or charged; also, make sure that you disconnect and reconnect the battery properly.
3. If you did steps 1 and 2 and the message still comes on, then I recommend you check your brake pads and rotors. If the condition is bad, then have them replaced.
4. Inspect the brake lights to see if they are working as they should as well.
5. If you did all four steps and you still get this issue, then I would advise you to take your car to the nearest Renault dealer or mechanic for diagnostics.

Sources

https://www.howacarworks.com/basics/how-the-braking-system-works

https://www.delphiautoparts.com/gbr/en/toolbox/abs-sensors-function