Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
Brake and Front End Magazine
Technical Resources for diagnosing and servicing undercar components
Wheel End

Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement

You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.

Brake and Front End Staff
By Brake and Front End Staff
Published:

Vehicle Application:
2001 BMW 325ci 2.5L
2002 BMW 325xi Sport Wagon 2.5L, Eng Des M54
2003 BMW 325xi Sport Wagon 2.5L, Eng Des M54
2003 BMW 330i 3.0L
2004 BMW 325i Sport Wagon 2.5L
2004 BMW 325xi Sport Wagon 2.5L
2004 BMW x5 4.4L, Eng Cfg V8, Eng Des N62, USA/Canada
2005 BMW 325i 2.5L, Eng Des M54
2005 BMW 325xi 2.5L
2005 BMW 330i 3.0L

Related Articles

Tests/Procedures:
1. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.

2. If it does not go out, check for reference voltage from the cluster to the left front sensor, with the sensor disconnected. Check the other wire at the sensor for direct continuity to ground. If it is not a good ground, check the rear sensor for continuity to the front sensor on one wire, and continuity to ground on the other wire. Replace the rear sensor and/or ­repair the ground connection as necessary.

Courtesy of Identifix. 

You May Also Like

EV Bizz

Tesla Wheel Bearing Replacement

The process of replacing the hub unit on a Tesla is the same as many cars and light trucks.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Brake & Front End magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 20 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and ­aftermarket manufacturers. He can be reached at [email protected].
Published:

The most common EVs on the road come from Tesla. The Model S, 3, X and Y share similar drivetrains and wheel-end components like the wheel-bearing hub units.

The process of replacing the hub unit on a Tesla is the same as many cars and light trucks. You do not need insulated tools or gloves to replace chassis parts. The only complications come with initial diagnostics and setting modes for service procedures.

Read Full Article

More Wheel End Posts
Brake Pad Edge Codes – What Can They Tell You?

The edge code is a language written by engineers, federal entities and industry associations.

By Andrew Markel
Brake Problems

Reducing brake drag on late-model vehicles is not accomplished by a single component; it takes a system.

By Andrew Markel
The Real Cost of Installing Cheap Brake Pads

The brake repair market is starting to become dominated by a “good enough” mentality.

By Andrew Markel
Brake Boosters and Start/Stop Vehicles

For a vacuum brake booster to work, it needs a source of vacuum.

By Andrew Markel

Other Posts

ADAS False Activation Evolution

The logic behind most ADAS warnings or corrections is to examine the plausibility of the situation.

By Andrew Markel
Understanding ADAS: Blindspot Detection Systems

With the right tools and service information, it is possible to resolve a customer’s complaint. 

By Andrew Markel
Wheel Speed Sensor and Hub Unit Diagnostics

All wheel speed sensor codes are just the starting points of a diagnosis and not a reason to order a part.

By Andrew Markel
Better Brake Law Update

Learn the latest about the salmon-inspired law.

By Andrew Markel