brake pad warning indicator
08-23-2001, 10:34 AM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
brake pad warning indicator
Assuming that there is no short and the light is correct, would you chance an 1800 mile trip on the interstate? Car brakes fine now and there are no grinding or squeeling sounds. Fluid is grimy and needs to be replaced.
My Reason....I Would like to do the brake job when I get the car home rather than now, but don't want to ruin the rotors.
In general, how reliable is this warning light.
My Reason....I Would like to do the brake job when I get the car home rather than now, but don't want to ruin the rotors.
In general, how reliable is this warning light.
08-23-2001, 11:11 AM
#2
Instructor
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If your fluid is topped up, it's probably the pad wear sensors.
They indicate pad wear at about 80% of the pads gone.
They make the light come on 3 ways.
1 the sensor wire is touching the rotor as a result of wear, providing a ground to the system.
2 the sensor wire is worn through, the circuit is broken.
3 the wire is unplugged out near the strut, the circuit is broken.
If the light just came on, you'll be fine on your trip, you can replace the pads when you get back, if that's the problem.
They indicate pad wear at about 80% of the pads gone.
They make the light come on 3 ways.
1 the sensor wire is touching the rotor as a result of wear, providing a ground to the system.
2 the sensor wire is worn through, the circuit is broken.
3 the wire is unplugged out near the strut, the circuit is broken.
If the light just came on, you'll be fine on your trip, you can replace the pads when you get back, if that's the problem.
08-25-2001, 02:41 PM
#4
chris,
The brake pad lights are not terribly accurate. My car has brand new pads (installed this wednesday), and this morning the wear indicator lit up! This afternoon, it's off again. My car, at least, has been like this for at least 10 years. Since the car is serviced regularly (at least every 3000 miles), I know there's been no problem with my pads, ever! Still, that indicator light will come on from time-to-time and I've learned to ignore the light and rely on the knowledge that my pads are good.
In any event, you shoiuld be good to go for your trip.
Good luck!
Richard
'87 Carrera
The brake pad lights are not terribly accurate. My car has brand new pads (installed this wednesday), and this morning the wear indicator lit up! This afternoon, it's off again. My car, at least, has been like this for at least 10 years. Since the car is serviced regularly (at least every 3000 miles), I know there's been no problem with my pads, ever! Still, that indicator light will come on from time-to-time and I've learned to ignore the light and rely on the knowledge that my pads are good.
In any event, you shoiuld be good to go for your trip.
Good luck!
Richard
'87 Carrera