Brakes are soft after caliper paint job (2024 CX-5)

[Gsizzle]

Hello all, just joined. My better half just bought a 2024 CX-5 in that amazing red color. I bought the G2 caliper paint system, which turned out to be a perfect match! In order to paint them I removed the calipers, pads and clips. However, I did NOT disconnect any lines, (no air got in the system). I did have to compress one of the calipers slightly to get it back on the rotor, but maybe an 1/8th of an inch is all. Test drive: Brake pedal went to the floor. Drove it for a few minutes. They pump up somewhat, but are super soft the next time pedal is pressed. A (mechanic) friend on mine thinks it may be a system error that needs to be reset - "those dang computers" - LOL!
So, what's wrong and how do I fix it? THANKS!!

 

[Mazdiod2]

Did you have to open the bleeder when you compressed the caliper?

 

[Gsizzle]

Did you have to open the bleeder when you compressed the caliper?

No, not at all.

 

[Gsizzle]

I am just reading about "maintenance mode." Since I did not set that, did I mess something up in the system?

 

[Mazdiod2]

I hope not!!

 

[sm1ke]

I am just reading about "maintenance mode." Since I did not set that, did I mess something up in the system?

It's possible. Maintenance mode needs to be engaged on any car that uses an electronic parking brake - in this case, when working on the rear brakes, you're supposed to put the car in Maintenance mode, which retracts the piston for you so it doesn't have to be done by hand.

In your case, the first thing I would try is putting the car in maintenance mode, then taking it out of maintenance mode. This may be enough to reset everything if nothing was damaged. Here is a link to a thread detailing the process:

Guide: - Maintenance Mode for 2016 / 2017 CX-5 electronic brakes

ok folks, I tried to make a video but it's too hard for this procedure, I needed to use both hands, so I'll write up a detailed procedure based on the Mazda PDF's provided by Anchorman (much thanks) see post # 12 of this link...

mazdas247.com

For future reference, if there's any maintenance or service process you're unsure of, please check out our CX-5 Resources section, which can be accessed by clicking on All Mazdas at the top, and then choosing Resources from the drop down menu. You can then filter by CX-5 Resources to find helpful guides on things like ATF fluid changes, differential fluid changes, etc.

 

[Gsizzle]

It's possible. Maintenance mode needs to be engaged on any car that uses an electronic parking brake - in this case, when working on the rear brakes, you're supposed to put the car in Maintenance mode, which retracts the piston for you so it doesn't have to be done by hand.

In your case, the first thing I would try is putting the car in maintenance mode, then taking it out of maintenance mode. This may be enough to reset everything if nothing was damaged. Here is a link to a thread detailing the process:

Guide: - Maintenance Mode for 2016 / 2017 CX-5 electronic brakes

ok folks, I tried to make a video but it's too hard for this procedure, I needed to use both hands, so I'll write up a detailed procedure based on the Mazda PDF's provided by Anchorman (much thanks) see post # 12 of this link...

mazdas247.com

For future reference, if there's any maintenance or service process you're unsure of, please check out our CX-5 Resources section, which can be accessed by clicking on All Mazdas at the top, and then choosing Resources from the drop down menu. You can then filter by CX-5 Resources to find helpful guides on things like ATF fluid changes, differential fluid changes, etc.

So grateful for your detailed reply. I disconnected the positive battery connection, following another tip - no help. I will go do this maintenance mode thing now. Thank again

 

[Gsizzle]

So grateful for your detailed reply. I disconnected the positive battery connection, following another tip - no help. I will go do this maintenance mode thing now. Thank again

Unfortunately, that process did not fix the issue. I was able to put it in maintenance mode (saw the yellow indicator, heard the motor) as well as take it out of maintenance mode. I did not attempt to start it while in maintenance mode, though.

 

[sm1ke]

I would probably just see if your mechanic friend can assist. Or, just take it back to the dealer and tell them what's happening, and hope you can get it covered through warranty.

 

[N7turbo]

Having just taken mine apart to swap pads and put them back together, I'm not sure what would cause this. Yeah the pedal goes to the floor at first but you pump it quite a few times and it builds up pressure eventually.

 

[erhayes]

Air in the system.

 

[N7turbo]

Air in the system.

But how could that happen if he didn't open the system?

 

[Gsizzle]

I got some additional info: If you do NOT put in maintenance mode first, even the slightest caliper piston depression can cause this type of error. I have an appointment with Mazda service to have the OBD thingy reset. And NO it is NOT air in the system - this is a computer thing.

 

[Gsizzle]

Having just taken mine apart to swap pads and put them back together, I'm not sure what would cause this. Yeah the pedal goes to the floor at first but you pump it quite a few times and it builds up pressure eventually.

Not in this case. I've tried driving it, pumping them only helps for that stop, the next time I have to pump all over again. It's something to do with EPB motor.

 

[Odrapnew]

I got some additional info: If you do NOT put in maintenance mode first, even the slightest caliper piston depression can cause this type of error. I have an appointment with Mazda service to have the OBD thingy reset. And NO it is NOT air in the system - this is a computer thing.

Keep us posted on the results and if you have info on what the dealer did to fix it.

 

[Gsizzle]

Keep us posted on the results and if you have info on what the dealer did to fix it.

Will do, my apt. is on the 16th.

 

[Mazdiod2]

I think there was somebody with this problem and they repeatedly put it in and out of maintainance mode a number of times until it finally worked.

 

[Gsizzle]

I think there was somebody with this problem and they repeatedly put it in and out of maintainance mode a number of times until it finally worked.

This encouraging, thank you!
I have 2 Qs: When in maintenance mode will the vehicle start? If yes, should I start it between switching modes?

 

[N7turbo]

I think there was somebody with this problem and they repeatedly put it in and out of maintainance mode a number of times until it finally worked.

I had to do that, but that was a different issue. That is because it wouldn't come out of maintenance mode.

 

[yrwei52]

⋯ I did have to compress one of the calipers slightly to get it back on the rotor, but maybe an 1/8th of an inch is all.

Which caliper? Front or rear? Did you just compress it or did you turn the piston?

EPB Maintenance Mode is only applicable to rear brakes.