Quote:
2005 k1200lt. BMW logo on the front caliper so integral ABS system.
I recently have the ABS light and General warning light come on in an alternating pattern once a second. According to the chart in my manual, this indicates the brake fluid level is low. I've checked the front reservoir by turning the handle so the reservoir itself is parallel/flat to the ground and its fine. Checking the back reservoir is a little more tricky as the plastic is hard to see through but the level shows in the middle between min and max. So the fluid levels look fine but my manual gives no other option than fluid is low somewhere. I don't have a code reader so I don't have any more details than that.
Possibly defective fluid level sensor? I didn't see in my manual (Clymer) anything about checking or repairing a brake fluid level sensor.
Any thoughts?
Any suggestions on best sources for a code reader?
Before you go with a GS911 code reader (or the dealer), you need to check the "proper" reservoirs.
On K1200LT of last generation (2005-2009) the only reservoirs that are monitored by the ABS system are located on top of the ABS modulator. Only these have electric circuits with floats (2 of them) that will trigger the fault that you see. Assuming that what you saw is low speed (1 per second) alternating flashing of both Warnings. IMPORTANT to note that if either float are disconnected -OR- a wire damaged (these wires are near the cap reservoir) the system will trigger the same fault (thinking the fluid is low).
See attached photo for location of these 2 reservoirs on top of the ABS unit (circle in Yellow to point to correct location). Of course, yours will have small black plastic cap that you can remove using a 19mm wrench and you should also have vent hose attached to it. Normally, when the last bleed was done properly, the low level is not reached until the brake pads are fully worn. In the same logic, the MAX level should only be topped with brand new brake pads.
If you put too much fluid (to MAX level with brake pads worn to min level) , whenever the caliper(s) pistons are compressed (like removing the wheel) the fluid will overflow to the ground by the small hoses attached to cap.
ALTHOUGH the other reservoirs at handlebar and above footpeg are NOT monitored directly by the ABS system, I think you should still make a habit to check these for proper level at yearly interval (a minimum in my opinion).