Re: "Brake Linings" message driving me nuts! (archive)

Each wear sensor (left front and right rear) consists of an electrical connector, two wires, and a plastic plug that attaches to the backing plate of the brake pad. The two wires, which are connected together inside the plastic plug, form a complete circuit back to the Check Control Module through the electrical connector. As the brake pad wears, the distance between the plastic plug and the rotor becomes smaller. Eventually, the rotor contacts the plastic plug, wears away the plastic, breaks the connection between the two wires, and grounds out the circuit on the rotor. The continuous electrical circuit to the Check Control Module is now broken and the CCM illuminates the �Brake Linings� message on the console.

You are on the right track. There is an electrical open circuit somewhere. By all means jumper the connector at the firewall then work forward from there until you find the break. There have been a couple of cases on the message board where the wiring has rubbed against one of the struts and broken the connection. I would do a quick visual inspection first.

Regards

Alex

Recently changed out pads and rotors and after replacement I'm getting the "brake linings" message on the OBC. Have replaced both brake sensors. Jumpering the wire at the plug DOES NOT clear the message, so I presume there is a fault upstream of the sensor, possibly in the main harness.

Should I jumper the wire at the firewall connector? Anybody seen this before and have another idea? Thanks.

markp
90 750iL
Bainbridge Island, WA

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