Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Brake Warning Indicator: Testing and Inspection


Instrument Cluster: Indicators:





The brake pad wear symbol illuminates when an open condition exists in the brake pad sensor circuit. Once the circuit is rectified the brake pad wear indicator will shut off after first 30 seconds of switching the ignition on.

Note! Voltage at brake wear sensor connector is within 1 volt of battery voltage.

Condition: Brake Pad Wear indicator stays ON after the 30 second start-up bulb check.

1 Turn ignition switch on.

2 Check for voltage at LH front brake pad sensor connector:
No volts: check for voltage at I/P connector X16, pin 19. If OK check for an open circuit between I/P connector X16, pin 19, and front brake sensor connector X118, pin 2.

3 Check LH front brake pad sensor for continuity and wear:
No continuity: replace sensor.
Wear: If pad sensor is worn to the point that the wire running through the sensor is exposed, replace sensor.

4 Check for voltage at RH rear brake pad sensor connector:
No volts: check for an open circuit between the RH rear sensor connector X713, pin 2 and the LH front sensor connector X118, pin 1.

5 Check RH rear brake pad sensor for continuity and wear:
No continuity: replace sensor.
Wear: If pad sensor is worn to the point that the wire running through the sensor is exposed, replace sensor.

6 Check continuity between RH rear brake pad senor and ground:
No continuity: check for open circuit between RH rear brake pad sensor connector X713, pin 1, and ground X13006.

7 If brake pad sensor circuit is OK yet the Brake Pad Wear Indicator is still ON, the fault exists in the I/P Cluster. Perform tests on the I/P using BMW diagnostic equipment. Testing and Inspection