Brake Pad Warning Light On After Breaking The Sensor. Any Fixes Or How

[topgun129]

Hi,

In the process of changing the front brakes pads on my 93 LS400 the passenger side's pad sensor broke apart (basically it is a 16 year old car and it was weathered away pretty good). The sensor head thingy split from the wires. Now I have the brake pad sensor warning light on at my dashboard. Is there anyway to disable it?

I doubt the sensor thing is fixable because it is so small, but one idea I had was to connect the two wires together that run into the sensor. Just a thought. Maybe that would complete the circuit.

I just hate the sight of any warning light on!

Thanks!

[curiousB]

yes strip the wires at the end of the sensor and solder them together and tape them up with some electrical tape and/RTV. Fasten the pigtail out the way with a wire tie or two. You'll lose the warning feature but if you are watching the wear of the pads who needs a sensor for it.

[Brett in AK]

yes strip the wires at the end of the sensor and solder them together and tape them up with some electrical tape and/RTV. Fasten the pigtail out the way with a wire tie or two. You'll lose the warning feature but if you are watching the wear of the pads who needs a sensor for it.

Just asking here as I am not familiar with the sensor but if you soldered the wires together, wouldn't that complete the circuit and illuminate the warning light? I'd wager if he is concerned about the cost of the sensor, he ought to be able to pick up a good used one at the salvage yard.

Brett

[curiousB]

yes strip the wires at the end of the sensor and solder them together and tape them up with some electrical tape and/RTV. Fasten the pigtail out the way with a wire tie or two. You'll lose the warning feature but if you are watching the wear of the pads who needs a sensor for it.

Just asking here as I am not familiar with the sensor but if you soldered the wires together, wouldn't that complete the circuit and illuminate the warning light? I'd wager if he is concerned about the cost of the sensor, he ought to be able to pick up a good used one at the salvage yard.

Brett

no the sensor is just a loop of wire encased in plastic. When the pad wears through it breaks the wire and opens the loop. The ECU inverts the signal to turn on the light. Very simple circuit. Too bad a replacement sensor pigtail is $60+ for basically a $0.50 connector and $0.10 of wire.