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Thread: Brake lining message

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Apex, NC
    Posts
    471

    Default Brake lining message

    Yeah, I know what it means. When I've gotten it in the past, it was constant and I needed pads. Now I get this message intermittently though. Brakes have about only 18k miles on them - raybestos QS ceramics. But the message comes on right as I start the car sometimes, after a few minutes sometimes, after a long time sometimes, or sometimes not at all. Seems like if I've worn through the sensor the message would be constant. Could it be a bad wear sensor? Or do these ceramics really only last 18k?
    Scott
    '93 525iT 245k miles (sold, but not forgotten)
    '11 TSX Sport Wagon
    '00 328i
    '78 MGB
    '08 Saab Aero


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,839

    Default

    the warning is probably a wire rubbing and grounding through the wheel well. Check the pads anyways while your tracing the wire.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Derbyshire, UK
    Posts
    872

    Default

    Visually check the pads to see if they're worn.

    The sensors are hooked up with thin wires in a harsh environment. I've had a stone or stick get kicked up into the rear wheel and rip the leads clean off the sensor. Also, the connectors might be corroded. Inspect the wires, and check, clean and grease the connectors.

    1997 535i V8
    5spd, OBC, A/C, cruise, BMW phone, factory M-Tech wheel & suspension, 18" Alpinas

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Jet City
    Posts
    275

    Default

    I've heard the sensors need to replaced once in a while. It's harsh under there.
    Spasso
    530iT, 525 5-speed , 328is.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Apex, NC
    Posts
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    Default

    Good ideas, I really didn't want to do the brakes again so soon.

    Can I just disconnect the sensor to get rid of the message, or will that make it constant? Guess I could go try it... but I'm working on the MG today. Got evacuated from work due to the Apex NC hazardous material fire all over the TV.
    Scott
    '93 525iT 245k miles (sold, but not forgotten)
    '11 TSX Sport Wagon
    '00 328i
    '78 MGB
    '08 Saab Aero


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Derbyshire, UK
    Posts
    872

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ScottyWM
    Can I just disconnect the sensor to get rid of the message, or will that make it constant?
    That will make it constant. Jumpering the connector will make it go away.

    If it's intermittent, it might be a corroded or loose connector.

    1997 535i V8
    5spd, OBC, A/C, cruise, BMW phone, factory M-Tech wheel & suspension, 18" Alpinas

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,839

    Default

    Nasty fire man!

    as you probably now know it will make the light constant.


    Quote Originally Posted by ScottyWM
    Good ideas, I really didn't want to do the brakes again so soon.

    Can I just disconnect the sensor to get rid of the message, or will that make it constant? Guess I could go try it... but I'm working on the MG today. Got evacuated from work due to the Apex NC hazardous material fire all over the TV.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    529

    Default

    As a temp fix to get rid of the light, I have cut the sensor wires below the connector and twisted them together. Or, if jumpering the connector doesn't do it, your problem is a broken wire above the connector.

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