Fixing "Brake Assist Service Required" Notification on Volvo XC90

A great thing about modern cars is that they can notify the driver as soon as an anomaly is detected in critical components. It’s as if they are becoming self-aware and know exactly when something need attention. Your Volvo XC90 is no exception. Today’s blog post discusses what it means when your Volvo displays the ‘Brake Assist Service Required’ alert and provides a step-by-step guide on how to resolve the issue and ensure your brake system is functioning properly again.

What is Brake Assist, and Why Does It Matter?

Brake assist is essentially a driver assistance feature designed to enhance braking performance, especially in emergency situations. It is designed to sense when the driver is attempting to stop the car quickly, but struggling to apply desired braking force. If it senses the necessity of more braking force, it will automatically increase brake pressure to ensure that the vehicle slows down at the maximum rate possible, reducing stopping distance.

Common Triggers for the "Brake Assist Service Required" Warning

#1- Dirty or blocked sensors: Your Volvo XC90’s brake assist relies on numerous sensors to monitor the driver’s input on the brake pedal. These sensors won’t function properly if they are blocked by dirt, debris, or road grime. Inaccurate readings provided by obstructed sensors may prevent the brake assist from providing additional braking power when needed… something that may activate ‘Brake Assist Service Required’ warning.

#2- Low brake fluid levels: When was the last time you topped up your Volvo XC90’s brake fluid? This fluid is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s braking system… responsible for transmitting the force applied on the brake pedal to the braking components. If there not enough fluid available in the system, the brakes won’t function as efficiently as they should, nor will the brake assist feature.

#3- Faulty brake assist module: This is yet another leading reason why your Volvo XC90 might display the ‘Brake Assist Service Required’ Warning. Most of the driver assistance features your vehicle is equipped with, including the brake assist, have their own dedicated modules, aka control units. These units are essentially small computers. Issues in the module responsible for overseeing different aspects of brake assist operations can trigger the said warning.

#4- Worn-out brake pads or components: How efficiently your brake assist system will be able to slow your vehicle down during emergency situations depends greatly on the fact that how well its braking system components are functioning. Issues with the components such as brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines can reduce braking power and increase braking distance.

#5- Electrical issues: Gone are the days when braking systems were fully mechanical. Modern vehicles like Volvo XC90 rely on an integrated electrical system to power the mechanism responsible for reducing the speed of the vehicle. Power supply disruption because of a faulty wiring, sensor malfunction, or blown fuses can prevent the brake assist feature from performing its intended functions… which may activate the ‘Brake Assist Service Required’ warning.

How to Clear the "Brake Assist Service Required" Error

Step #1- Start by checking the vital sensors assisting the brake assist feature in performing its intended functions. Restore proper sensor function by getting rid of loose debris accumulated on the sensing elements.

Step #2- When you’re done cleaning the sensors, check the brake fluid. This fluid is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s braking system. If there is not enough fluid left in the brake lines, it may significantly reduce the vehicle’s braking efficiency… limiting the Brake Assist functionality and triggering the concerned alerts.

Step #3- Mechanical health of your braking components can also influence your Volvo XC90’s brake assist’s functionality and may even result in the appearance of the ‘Brake Assist Service Required’ error. Use an OBD-II scanner to pinpoint the exact problem… such as a faulty sensor, open circuit, or communication error.

Concluding Remark

The ‘Brake Assist Service Required’ alert on the dash of your Volvo XC90 could be indicative of a serious issue developing in one of the remotely located braking system components. It is not something to brush off. Let a professional look at your vehicle’s key brake assist components to prevent brake failure and costly repairs down the line.