Changed front pads but can't reset service indicator......

[Huxsta]

I changed my front pads today, the count down for replacement had got to zero and the service indicator was red. The sensor wasn't activated as such as there was still about 6mm on the old pads. But whatever video I follow on you tube to reset the counter it doesn't work. I can get to the reset stage, push again  to reset and I get ---- in the display. Is this actually possible to do on my drive or is an Indy visit required? Surely you don't have to renew the sensor as well if the pads never got that low??? It's an e70 4.0d on an 11 plate.

[Nictrix]

I followed the online guides for resetting the service indicator for the brakes and it worked fine for me for the front and the rear brakes. This is on a 2010 X6.
I dont know what way you are trying to reset the indicator but the way I done it was using the mileage/trip reset button which when held in takes you to a service menu.

[Huxsta]

Yeah, key in ign, don't touch brake press start button to light up cluster, push trip button till the option comes up (I can see all the options if I scroll through, but all I get when I press reset is 4 dashes looking like ---- tried it loads of times but to no avail. As I said I'm still using original sensor as the old pad thickness was still in the 6-8 mm range. No lights on the dash when driving, only the service symbol (in red) coming up when I start the car....,

[Nictrix]

The only thing I can think of is that you may not be holding the button in for long enough at the end.
While the button is pressed in it should change to ---- and then change to the new mileage without releasing the button.

[Nine468]

I was in a similar situation, and my indie told me that the sensor needs replacing, even if its not been triggered.
The sensors that are fitted nowadays are way more advanced than the old break wire sensors.
Apparently there "smart sensors".... Or so ive been told....

On a slightly different point, can the brakes be reset with the Carly app.??

[Huxsta]

I can buy a new sensor, especially if I thought it was the way to go to sort the service light. I assumed it was indeed a break wire system but if not then I will get it changed. I don't have Carly app etc as a friend has a garage with latest snap on diagnostic equipment, so push come to shove I will take a ride over to him and cross his greasy palms with a tenner! I tried holding the button in longer as has been suggested but just got the same outcome. Thanks for people's input in this, after all someone else down the line will google like I do and come across this very information!!!

[graemeX5]

Hi

I am not sure which was you tried but this you tube link may help as you have to reset mileage first as per clip then do the reset of which ever service item it is you need resetting

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=38QUj625SoM

Graeme

[Huxsta]

I've tried that one also thanks. What I have since learnt is that although the sensor looks all ok, apparently in order to produce the service required light based on the mileage travelled, it wears early on even though you have loads of pad life left if that makes sense. It doesn't wear enough to produce the 'your pads are nearly on the metal sign' hence why I thought it was good to reuse. However it would seem that once the i drive throws up the service required sign it's knackered the sensor and replacement is necessary. I've now ordered a new one from ecp (pagid make) for under £10 so will put that on when it gets delivered and try it again.

[Huxsta]

Just to update everyone for any future problems with doing their own front pads. I can confirm that you WILL need a new sensor in order to carry out a reset via the many you tube links. As soon as your I drive tells you that the pads need renewing in .... amount of miles, at this point the sensor has already been triggered.
I'm now reset to 40,000 miles so alls good. Quite pleased actually as my total bill using pagid pads and a pagid sensor from Euro car parts came to just under £68 using their online promotion code at the time. Also was very straightforward to do compared to other models that I have changed pads on, about 45 mins total.  (7mm Allen key, flat screwdriver & a wire brush were the only tools I used once the wheels were off)

[graemeX5]

Hi

Glad to hear you got it sorted, and useful for others to know they will need a new sensor if as you sat the sensor has been triggered.

Graeme