Technical Brake Pads Warning Light [Pic] - Accurate?

[jlhdasMorahd]

Got this warning light pop up a week ago.

Thing is, I took the car to the yearly exam (where they also do a brake test) and it passed.

Should I go check the brakes because of the warning? Or could the sensor be bad?

I ask about the accuracy of the sensor since the temp sensor, for example, is bad - showing my 1C when it's actually 30 outside

 

[jrkitching]

Should I go check the brakes because of the warning

Yes, absolutely. The way this works is completely different to the temperature sensor and it's unlikely to be a false alarm.

This is telling you that the pads have worn close to the limit and you will most likely need to change them.

If you leave it, it won't be long before you'll hear a grinding noise when you brake, and then you'll need to change the discs as well.

 

[chris3234]

Yes, absolutely. The way this works is completely different to the temperature sensor and it's unlikely to be a false alarm.

This is telling you that the pads have worn close to the limit and you will most likely need to change them.

If you leave it, it won't be long before you'll hear a grinding noise when you brake, and then you'll need to change the discs as well.

It could be a fake alarm if the wear cable has been damaged but it definitely wants checking as the most likely cause is a worn out pads near the wear limit

 

[jrkitching]

It could be a fake alarm if the wear cable has been damaged

It could, but it's very unlikely; the damaged wire would have to have shorted to a non-rusty ground for this to happen. They are overwhelmingly more likely to go open circuit in this situation, in which case you'd get no warning that the pads were getting dangerously low.

And sod's law says the lowest pad is one of the ones without a warning wire, which also won't alert you.

That's why a visual brake inspection is part of every service. And why it's important to get this attended to now.

If you leave it, best case you've just tripled the cost of fixing it. Worst case, it could cause an accident. It seems like the warning system has actually done it job on this occasion.

I've found what's left of pads in the gutter on the high street, sans car, worn through to the backing plate and then some. It's almost beyond belief that someone could continue to drive it like that.

Don't let anyone talk you out of getting this sorted.

 

[jlhdasMorahd]

Guys, thank you all for your response!!!

I do appreciate it, truly.

BTW - I think you guys are correct, and brakes are not to be a chepo about!

That being said, I went to my mechanic. Really honest guy! Won't do a job if not needed (which let's be honest is kinda rare to find).

He took the wheel covers off, took his flashlight and inspected. He said no need. At least another 15,000 KM easy on these pads and plates.

I told him about the light but he said he's better than a warning light

 

[chris3234]

It could, but it's very unlikely; the damaged wire would have to have shorted to a non-rusty ground for this to happen. They are overwhelmingly more likely to go open circuit in this situation, in which case you'd get no warning that the pads were getting dangerously low.

And sod's law says the lowest pad is one of the ones without a warning wire, which also won't alert you.

That's why a visual brake inspection is part of every service. And why it's important to get this attended to now.

If you leave it, best case you've just tripled the cost of fixing it. Worst case, it could cause an accident. It seems like the warning system has actually done it job on this occasion.

I've found what's left of pads in the gutter, sans car, worn through to the backing plate and then some. It's almost beyond belief that someone could continue to drive it like that.

Don't let anyone talk you out of getting this sorted.

Depends on the system
Not know how fiats work

But a family members Passat had the cable damaged and it put a warning on same as if you cable was unplugged


Fiats my be different

Still need a check of all the brakes either way

 

[John202020]

Needs proper full inspection you can put the sensor pad either side of the disc so looking only at the outside one could end up costing far more when the disc gets destroyed?
Wire earth's the system to trigger warning