Changed Brake Discs & Pads - Light stays on

[Steve Blackdog]

Hi Folks

Anyone know why my "Check brake linings" warning is still coming up after I've changed my worn rear brake discs and pads and replaced the wear sensor?

And is there anything I can do about it?

Cheers

Steve

[Sanj]

Replace both sensors?

[Lummox]

Steve,

I have had this numerous times on different models of BMs from that era. Take the car for a drive and the warning will dissappear, sometimes after about a mile but sometimes it can take a couple of miles.

Cheers

Craig

[Ubatoid]

You need to reset the warning. Turn key to ignition No.2, wait 30 seconds, turn off and then start. Should do the trick.

[Denis O]

[quote="Ubatoid"]
You need to reset the warning. Turn key to ignition No.2, wait 30 seconds, turn off and then start. Should do the trick.
[/quote]

I seem to remember that with the procedure you need to have the door open. I could be completely wrong and you should put this outburst down to age 

[Steve Blackdog]

Thanks chaps:

@ Sanj
I've only done the rear discs and pads as the fronts have plenty of life left in them.  There's only one sensor on the rears (drivers side).  Do you mean I should replace the front anyway, or am I misunderstanding you.

@ Craig - I've done about 500 miles since doing the brakes.  I was hoping it would go out of its own accord!

@ Ubatoid and Denis O

I've just been outside switching the ignition on and off, door open, door closed and no luck, I'm afraid.  I think the neighbours think I've gone a bit mad.

I guess it's not beyond the realms of possibility that the new sensor (New Generation) is a dud.

Any other thoughts?

Cheers

Steve

[Lummox]

Things to check.

You haven't re-fitted the old sensor by mistake.
You have pushed the plugs together fully and they are the same type of plug
You haven't damaged the wire when fitting the sensor.
It is the correct sensor and it is located in the pad correctly
Your nearside front calliper isn't seized and worn the outer pad down and tripped that sensor

Craig

[Steve Blackdog]

Thanks Craig - very helpful.

I'm just wondering..... I wonder if it was not the rear sensor that was triggering the "check Brake linings" warning.  I automatically assumed it was the rears because I had them down on my "things to replace in next 5K" list.

Just before the light came on, I'd had 4 wheel alignment carried out. Is it possible that when they were messing with the tracking on the front wheels they damaged that sensor?  and that I have been looking for the answer in the wrong place?  I had the brake fluid replaced and some rear suspension parts at the same time.

what d'ya reckon?

[Ubatoid]

Yes, I am now remembering having to give the brake pedal some pumps while the ignition is on and then switching off and back on.

[Steve Blackdog]

[quote="Ubatoid"]
Yes, I am now remembering having to give the brake pedal some pumps while the ignition is on and then switching off and back on.
[/quote]
Are you sure I'm not on Candid Camera??

I'll give it a try - not too hopeful

[Lummox]

It may be worth while pulling the nearside front wheel off and having a poke around. I think it unlikely that they will have damaged anything but you never know, a spanner may have slipped or a wrong move with the acetylene torch if they had to warm the nuts up on the track rods

craig

[ITBarbie]

Hi

I had to do the reset a couple of times and did the drive and it eventually worked.  Try it one last time like this http://www.ehow.com/how_4844864_check-brake-lining-message-bmw.html#page=0

[Denis O]

[quote="ITBarbie"]
Hi

I had to do the reset a couple of times and did the drive and it eventually worked.  Try it one last time like this http://www.ehow.com/how_4844864_check-brake-lining-message-bmw.html#page=0
[/quote]

Thanks Penny. It appears point 1 on your link means that I'm not that old 

[pvr]

Never knew about that door thingy, but the I replaced the pads before the light came on.

[Steve Blackdog]

No luck.  Tried all possible options of the reset procedure.

I think I need to take Craig's advice and poke around behind the front wheel.

Thanks again
Steve