Brake pad wear warning light

[AMoore]

I replaced the rear pads on my 93 911 RS America before Shenandoah.  As I was driving to the event, however, my brake pad wear warning light came on.  Obviously the pads were new and fine.  They worked perfectly at the track.  I don't recall moving any wires but I must have done something to trigger the sensor?

Any ideas what happened and how to resolve?

[ccm911]

When I first started out, I was told not to run with the sensors, as the heavy braking could shred metal off the pads and rotors, causing the pads to light due to all the metal down there.  It kinda sets up an unintentional electrical circuit.  I could be wrong, but at something like $20 per sensor, why bother. 

[AMoore]

Interesting.  I would have no problem deactivating the sensor.  Does it have its own fuse, or is there another way to disconnect?

[ccm911]

We just disconnected the wire from the plug, and then duct taped the wire remaining in the wheelwell out of the way.

Works like a champ.

[LouZ]

Aaron

 

The 964's work a bit different from what Chris explained.

 

A 'BREAK' in the circuit will set off the light. If you remove the sensor from the plug, the warning light will glow. What most of us do is to remove the sensor from the pad, cut the 2 wires and twist them together. Then wrap them up and tuck them out of the way.

[AMoore]

Thanks, I will do so this Saturday.

[Larry Herman]

Aaron, the circuit also goes through the brake reservoir cap. If the fluid level gets low you will also get warning, so check those wires as well.  They can break over time.

[jsulen]

Have you tried to reset the brake pad set wear warning light? It will depend on the model of your car, there are short wire gizmos that plug in near the brake caliper, the black plastic end fits in the pad and wears off as the pads get too thin this cuts the wire or grounds the circuit triggering the lamp, buy new ones and it shoud reset the next time you start the car