My position as a mechanic is to provide technical support to Volkswagen owners, including answering the question, “What is the purpose of my VW brake pad warning light on? ”.
The purpose of this article is to explain why your VW comes on with this light and how you can reset it. Let’s get started.
VW Brake Pad Warning mean
If you wish to rectify the brake pad warning light on your Volkswagen, it is important to understand its meaning before you attempt to resolve its cause.
When it comes to stopping your car, brake pads are crucial. Applying the brakes reduces your vehicle’s speed until it stops completely by pressing against the brake rotors.
The Volkswagen car’s computer will detect when the brake pads need to be replaced due to wear and tear when they are fitted with a sensor.
A brake pad warning light will turn on when the sensor reaches this point, alerting you to the need to replace your brake pads.
The causes of VW brake pad warning lights
The VW brake pad warning light illuminates mostly in three situations, in my experience. Some of these scenarios are:
1. Damaged brake pads:
A brake pad warning light usually comes on when the brake pads are worn down to about 20-30% of their original thickness, which is usually when the brake pads are worn hard.
The sensor detects that the brake pad thickness is below what it should be if your VW brake pads are worn down to this point.
2. Faulty brake pad sensor(s):
It may be that one or more of the brake pad sensors have failed if you changed the brake pads recently (or the brake pads thickness is normal).
You won’t be able to tell how much your brake pads are wearing if your VW’s brake pad sensor(s) fail.
Due to this, brake pads are not able to be detected as thick as they should be.
In other words, your brake pads may have been worn down well below the recommended range even though your brake light is on.
3. Brake fluid is low:
Brake warning lights can come on sometimes if there’s low brake fluid.
Keeping the fluid level at the right level is essential to the proper operation of the system.
Having low brake fluid will prevent the brakes from being properly pressurized and powered up.
How to fix VW brake pad warning light
Let us examine how to resolve the VW brake pad warning light now that I have explained what causes it to illuminate.
Brake pads need to be replaced
Whenever this light appears on your dashboard, the first thing you should do is check your brake pads physically.
In general, VW brake pads need to be replaced between 25,000 and 70,000 miles (or 40 000 to 112 000 KM).
The amount of driving and the weight of your foot while braking determine how hard you brake.
Changing worn pads before calipers, rotors, or drums are damaged is imperative if the pads are worn down too far.
Brake pad sensors need to be checked
The brake pad sensor likely went bad if you had relatively new brake pads and got the warning light.
The sensors will need to be replaced if that is the case, fortunately these are easily replaceable and inexpensive to replace.
Brake fluid level should be checked
Finally, make sure there is sufficient brake fluid in the system. Adding more brake fluid is necessary if it is low.
A brake fluid level indicator is installed on the Volkswagen brake fluid reservoir.
You should ensure that the fluid level is within the range indicated on the indicator.
Adding fluid should not exceed the marks on the indicator; just add enough to reach those marks.
Reset VW Brake Pad Warning Light
We’re going to look at how to reset your dashboard message now.
Resetting the message can be done in two ways. A scan tool can be used first, and then the battery can be disconnected and reconnected. Here is how to use a scan tool to reset the message.
OBD Scanner
The brake pad warning light can be reset by using a scan tool (preferably OBD Eleven).
Your scan tool only needs to be connected to your vehicle’s OBD port to get started. Don’t start the engine after turning on the ignition.
Once you’ve selected “Diagnostics” choose “Clear fault codes” or something like that.
Battery should be disconnected
Using a battery cable disconnect and leave off both battery cables for at least five minutes to reset the brake pad warning light if you lack a scan tool.
You can discharge the capacitor that stores the code by briefly touching the cables together for a second.
Check if the warning light has gone out after reconnecting the battery, starting the car, and turning it off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the brake pad warning light indicate?
The brake pad warning light, typically amber in color, signifies that the front brake pads are worn and require immediate attention. It is essential to visit a qualified workshop to have the brake pads checked and replaced if necessary.
How is the brake pad warning light triggered?
The warning light is activated by a brake wear sensor, which is a wire embedded in the brake pads. If the pads wear down to a certain level, the sensor completes a circuit, triggering the warning light. If there are issues with the sensor itself such as disconnection or damage the light may also illuminate erroneously.
What should I do if the brake pad warning light comes on?
If you see the brake pad warning light, it is advisable to:
Stop driving and assess the situation.
Check your brake pads for wear if you are able to do so safely.
Visit a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to have your brakes inspected and service.
Can I continue driving with the brake pad warning light on?
While it may be possible to drive for a short distance after the warning light appears, it is not recommended. Continuing to drive with worn brake pads can lead to more severe damage to the braking system and compromise safety.
How can I reset the brake pad warning light?
Resetting the brake pad warning light typically requires diagnostic tools that connect to your vehicle’s computer system. After replacing worn pads or repairing any issues with the sensors, a mechanic can reset the warning light. Some vehicles may allow for manual resets through specific sequences in their onboard computer systems.
How often should I check my brake pads?
It is good practice to inspect your brake pads regularly, ideally during routine maintenance checks or every 10,000 miles. This proactive approach helps ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
