Volvo Brake Assist Service Required Error – Solutions To Try

The Volvo “Brake Assist Service Required” message can be tricky to decode unless you find out what corresponding part is causing the error.

Mostly brake assist system malfunctions due to a damaged brake pedal position sensor or faulty stop light switch. Some other sensors such as ABS sensor and steering angle sensor can also be responsible. 

You must find out exactly what this error message indicates and fix it according to the responsible component, something I will be discussing in this brief guide today.

So, Make Sure You Stick Till The End!

Exactly What Does Volvo Brake Assist Service Required Mean?

The “Brake Assist Service Required” indicator on Volvo typically refers to a malfunction of the brake assist system. 

This system is meant for emergency braking situations. Especially when you need the vehicle to stop as quickly as possible. And it does that by automatically increasing the pressure of the brake.

So, you can imagine for the overall vehicle safety, how significant this mechanism is. And that’s why you cannot take the error message lightly.

Now the warning light typically appears when the brake assist mechanism cannot help in quickly immobilizing the car. But is it absolutely not possible to ignore this message perhaps temporarily and can you drive with the service brake assist light on?

Well, you can drive with the service brake assist light on. But it is not recommended as this means compromising overall road safety while driving. Not to mention, how the brake system failure can be a result of other major mechanical disfunctions that may not be visible at first. That’s why you should always consider servicing and only drive in this condition as a last resort. 

How to Fix Service Brake Assist Issue In Volvo?

With the warning for brake assist service, you will find the normal brake working just fine. But you may discover the cruise control to not engage properly. Often due to the damaged brake pedal sensor. So now, how do you fix a brake assist service error initially?

To fix the problem, you should first try the Volvo brake assist service required reset. By this, I simply mean turning off the engine and removing the positive terminal cable of the battery. Next enter the car and start pressing the brake pedal downwards. You want to do this until all the stored electricity is depleted. Finally, reconnect the terminal and restart the car.

If this simple reset does not work, divert your attention towards the brake pedal position sensor. I will also discuss some other culprits that can trigger the Volvo brake assist service required message.

Replace The Brake Pedal Position Sensor

This particular sensor is in charge of monitoring the movement and position of the pedal. Any incorrect signal sent to the brake assist system from a damaged sensor can cause an error message.

According To CarAdvice, symptoms that a brake pedal position sensor has failed and requires replacement include inoperative cruise control, brake lights that either don’t turn on, flicker or remain illuminated, the vehicle “start prevented, try again” error or only turning on when shifted into neutral.

Issues with the brake pedal sensor can further complicate and also lead to gear shift stuck in neutral or any one position. So, you must consider replacing it as soon as possible.

Replace the Stop Light Switch 

A faulty stop light switch will hinder communication with the ECU unit. As a result, the brake lights will be activated whenever you press the brake pedal. 

Such malfunction can cause abnormal signals to the ECU unit and trigger the Brake Assist Service Required message on the dashboard.

Simply replacing the damaged switch can revive the situation and remove the triggering message. Also, it’s a rather cheap part that you can buy for 10 to 50 dollars. If you cannot replace it, professional labor charges will be applicable.

Other Potential Causes

• A faulty steering angle sensor can trigger an error message. To fix this, you need to replace the sensor by a professional.
• Problems with the ABS sensor can also be responsible for this issue. Again, replacement is the way to go.
• Sometimes mechanical errors with the wheel hub or the bearing can trigger ABS codes and then the brake assist service required message. Use the VIDA scanner to detect the fault codes.
• Stuck debris in bearing/hub/sensors can result in incorrect readings and then the error message. Cleaning with compressed air should resolve the problem.

Wrapping Up

And there you have some common causes behind the Volvo brake assist service required message. 

Once you face this problem, it’s best to avoid driving and fix it quickly. Often blown wheel bearings or other major mechanical malfunctions are responsible and if you avoid them for too long, it can result in further damages that will be quite costly.

Also, pay attention to optimal brake performance. For this, I would suggest you to never skip checking the brake fluid levels. This is often neglected by car owners leading to brake-related problems.

That’s it for today! I will see you soon in more similar content, take care!