Do you know why your BMW is displaying a brake pad warning light? It’s your lucky day.
There are a few common causes of this warning light and some easy steps to fix it. This article will give you a brief overview of the problem. Let’s begin.
What Does Brake Pad Warning Light on BMW Mean?
In a BMW car, you will often see a brake pad warning light. It indicates that your brakes might be malfunctioning. There are several possible causes for this, including thin brake pads and faulty brake pad sensors.
Your car stops when you use brake pads. Stepping on the brakes slows down your BMW because they push against the rotor.
It is possible to determine how much wear each brake pad has received by using its sensor.
A computer (also known as the PCM or Power Control Module) is notified if you have brake pads that are too thin by the sensors. A warning light is then illuminated by the computer.
What Causes Brake Pad Light on BMW?
The purpose of this alert has now been briefly explained. This light illuminates for a reason. Let’s examine that.
This warning light may appear for a variety of reasons, including:
1. A bad brake pad:
BMW brake pad light is usually caused by worn-down brake pads.
You’ll wear down your brakes over time, which means your brake pads will thin out.
The computer will illuminate the warning light once the sensor detects enough wear on the brakes.
Based on how often you drive and how hard you brake, BMW brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 50,000 miles.
Symptoms of Worn Pads Causing the Warning Light
- Noises when braking, such as squeaking or squealing
- Braking car pulls to one side
- Vibration Sounds
- Stopping takes longer on your BMW
- Warning light for brake pads
- Thinner brake pads
2. Defective Brake Pad Sensor(s):
In addition to brake pad failure, a malfunctioning sensor is the second most common cause of brake pad warning lights.
Two sensors monitor the wear levels of your brake pads on Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH vehicles, as mentioned above.
Resistance is checked by these sensors. Two wires connect each part.
They change resistance when they become worn out.
Your brake pad wear is now detected twice by the system, so you’ll get two warnings.
A variety of factors can damage or malfunction one of these sensors. An incorrect reading from the sensor will result from this situation.
Consequently, you’ll get a false warning from I-drive.
Trying to tell if your brakes are the problem is as easy as changing them recently and not driving more than 20000 miles (32 000KM).
Brake pad warning light on BMW?
Let’s move on to discussing how to fix your BMW brake pad warning light now that I have explained its cause.
Replacement of brake pads
A long period of inactivity can wear down your brake pads, which is why you should replace them.
In the event that you have some mechanical skills, replacing brake pads isn’t too difficult. A qualified independent mechanic or BMW dealer can assist you if you aren’t confident in this area.
If you’re replacing brake pads, make sure you get genuine BMW ones. Optimal braking performance, durability, and proper fit are all guaranteed with these pads.
Sensors adapted to your BMW have been incorporated into the new pads.
Sensors for brake pads should be replaced
If you have relatively new brake pads, faulty brake sensors may be causing the problem.
One brake pad sensor is located on the front brake and the other on the rear brake of your automobile.
Before you spend money on new brake pads, make sure to check the sensors, which are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Resetting the BMW brake light
You should reset your device after you have changed the pads/sensors.
If you’re certain there’s no major issue with your BMW, here’s how to reset the brake warning indicator. The steps are as follows:
- Start the vehicle by inserting the key (or key fob).
- Ensure the engine is not idling by turning the key to position 2.
- It should take you about ten seconds to open the driver’s door.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the BMW brake pad warning light indicate?
The BMW brake pad warning light indicates that the brake pad wear sensors have been triggered, signaling that the brake pads may need to be replaced. This can occur when the pads have worn down to a level where the sensor makes contact with the rotor, completing a circuit and illuminating the warning light on the dashboard.
Do I need to change the sensors when replacing brake pads?
Yes, it is generally recommended to replace the brake pad sensors when changing the brake pads. Each axle typically has one sensor, and if the warning light has been activated, it indicates that at least one sensor has been worn out and must be replaced to ensure proper functionality of the warning system.
What should I do if the warning light stays on after replacing pads and sensors?
If the warning light remains on after replacing both the brake pads and sensors, it could indicate a faulty sensor or an issue with the wiring. It’s advisable to check all connections and ensure that everything is properly seated. If problems persist, a diagnostic tool may be required to identify any underlying issues.
Can I bypass or ignore the brake pad warning light?
While it is technically possible to bypass the sensor by connecting its wires, this practice is not recommended. Bypassing can lead to overlooking actual wear on pads and could compromise safety. It is best to address any warnings properly by replacing worn components.
How often should I check my brake pads?
Regular inspections of your brake pads are essential for safe driving. It is advisable to check them at least every 10,000 miles or during routine maintenance checks. Additionally, pay attention to any warning lights or unusual noises while driving as indicators of potential issues.
