DTC 65-21: Brake Fluid Level Stuck ON

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information. (See General Troubleshooting Information ).

NOTE: Bleeding the brake system while the ignition switch is ON can cause this DTC.

Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
Is the brake fluid level OK?

YES - Go to step 2.

NO - Do the brake pad inspection: Front (see FRONT BRAKE PAD INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT ), drum brake inspection: Rear (see REAR DRUM BRAKE INSPECTION ), check for brake fluid leaks or replace worn pads. Fill the fluid reservoir to the correct level or replace the pads, then go to step 2 and recheck.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), then turn it to ON (II) again.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 65-21 indicated?

YES - Go to step 6.

NO - Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Refer to intermittent failures troubleshooting (see Intermittent Failures ).
Release the parking brake.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), then turn it to ON (II) again.
Check the brake system indicator in the gauge control module.
Does the indicator come on then go off?

YES -Go to step 13.

NO - Go to step 9.
Check the BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH in the GAUGE DATA LIST with the HDS.
Does the HDS indicate the BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH as OFF?

YES - Substitute a known-good gauge control module, then go to step 1 and recheck. If no DTCs are indicated, replace the original gauge control module (see GAUGE CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT ).

NO - Go to step 10.
Disconnect the brake fluid level switch 2P connector, then check the BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH in the VSA DATA LIST.
Does the HDS indicate OFF?

YES - Replace the brake fluid reservoir tank (the brake fluid level switch is included) (see PARKING BRAKE SWITCH TEST ).

NO - Go to step 11.
Disconnect the gauge control module 32P connector (see step 3 on GAUGE CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT ).
Check for continuity between brake fluid level switch 2P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between Brake Fluid Level Switch 2P Connector Terminal No. 2 & Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Repair short to body ground in the wire between the gauge control module and the brake fluid level switch.

NO - Substitute a known-good gauge control module, then go to step 1 and recheck. If no DTCs are indicated, replace the original gauge control module (see GAUGE CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT ).
Update the VSA modulator-control unit if it does not have the latest software (see VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT UPDATE ).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (O), then turn it to ON (II) again.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 65-21 indicated?

YES - Check for loose terminals in the VSA modulator-control unit 36P connector. If the symptom/indication is still present, replace the VSA modulator-control unit (see VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).

NO - If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If any other DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.