BradB

I have a '96 C4S with Big Red Brakes

Question 1.
I am thinking that the way the brake pad sensors work is that when the rotor wears through the wire and breaks the circuit, it causes the warning light to come on, right?

Question 2.
I can't just pull the sensors out and get rid of them can I? Wouldn't that make the warning light come on?

Question 3.
My problem is this. When I get the brakes really soaked, like when I saturate the calipers when washing, the brake wear indicator light comes on in the dash. I have tried to isolate the problem and cannot find a broken or damaged wire. After it seems to dry out (half a day) the light goes out. It seems to happen to more than one caliper.

(I have new sensors on order but have not replaced them yet.)

Everytime I start the car the wear indicator light shines on and lingers for about 15 seconds and then goes out. I don't know why. This may or not be related.

Ideas?


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SteveL1

You've had so many problems with that thing since you bought it 2 months ago! You should unload it to me for.......let's say............$35k....and all of your problems will go away.

Jeff 993TT

<strong>
Question 1.
I am thinking that the way the brake pad sensors work is that when the rotor wears through the wire and breaks the circuit, it causes the warning light to come on, right?
</strong>

Yes, that is correct. Pretty simple technology and they want to charge $60 for a set of turbo sensor wires! Yikes!

<strong>
Question 2.
I can't just pull the sensors out and get rid of them can I? Wouldn't that make the warning light come on?
</strong>

What people have done is just to short the two wires together.

<strong>
Question 3.
My problem is this. When I get the brakes really soaked, like when I saturate the calipers when washing, the brake wear indicator light comes on in the dash. I have tried to isolate the problem and cannot find a broken or damaged wire. After it seems to dry out (half a day) the light goes out. It seems to happen to more than one caliper.
</strong>

Perhaps the plug to the brake sensor is getting exposed to water, which could be causing a break in the circuit?? Tell us what happens after you replace wires. That's probably the easiest to start out with.

Just a note on replacing the sensor wires, you have to unclip the black plastic cap before you pull out the wires. It's the cylinder shaped housing that the brake plug sensor wires go into.

JEff

BradB

Yes, I've pulled them out and checked the continuity. They "seem" fine. I did notice a few nicks in the casing in the wire which might cause some sort of short? I water proofed it (clear nail polish on the nick) and it seemed to help solve the problem with one wheel in question but another wheel seems to be affected as well, now. I first thought it was just one.

I ordered two sensors $20 from Pelican Parts and will put them on this weekend. We'll see.

SteveL, It's appreciated since I bought it. Plus it's detailed now. I don't think you can afford it. $56.5 plus you have to throw in some MF towels.
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STLPCA

Brad
Sorry to hear you're still screwing around w/the sensors? Since the circuit is normally closed, I don't understand how water shorting could cause the light. Have you been able to isolate the problem pad?

If it's still not solved & you need a hand next weekend (this weekend is our DE), let me know. Working on your car in your garage should be nice 'cause I won't need to worry about getting my clothing dirty (& yes, I'll wear rubber gloves)

BTW, if you need them, I've got 2 new sensors on hand - if the "stops me just fine" regular blacks use the same as your BIG reds.