Warning brake light on the dash-RED

[pmaddy00]

The warning brake light has been on (on the dashboard) for a while now. Checked all the pads (changed the front not long ago), checked the brake fluid all ok. Please help!!

[march109]

when you changed the fronts did you change the brake pad wear sensor?

[pmaddy00]

I dont think i did!! Do u have to change it when you put the new pads in?

[march109]

yes, it wears down inline with the pad, so when the pads gone the sensor is gone too afaik.

"The sensor is part of a closed circuit, as the brake pads wear, the sensor contacts the rotor. Part of the sensor is then worn away, breaking a wire this opens the circuit and turns the instrament dash light on"

From the Bentley E30 Manual.

[pmaddy00]

Thanks for the info. Should be able to buy the sensor from Eurocar parts or GSF. Will check

[Steviec]

The sensor is about £6 from the dealers, I had to get one last week.

[pmaddy00]

Thanks guys for help.

[Brianmoooore]

E30s can have up to five brake warning lights. We need to establish which warning light before offering a diagnosis.

[pmaddy00]

It is a brake pad wear warning light. This went off for as while but now remains on all the time. Have changed the front pad sensor and the rear one looks ok. Dont know what do next!!

[Brianmoooore]

There is a well known common fault in the instrument cluster that can cause this problem (Search for 220 ohm resistor"), and this fault could have developed since you replaced the pad sensor.
Alternatively, there may be a poor connection at the connectors where one (or both!) of the pad sensors plug in, or, (most likely IMHO), you didn't dress the wire to the sensor properly across the back of the brake caliper, and the wire has worn through against the inside of the wheel rim.