How do I reset the brake lining light after changing pads. Tried turning key to position 2 and this did not work

I suspect the control box is faulty,because it is the one that helps display faulty msgs

if you did the job mechanically yourself, then erasing the code needs done by someone with that type of equipment..usually the parts store or dealer..

Have you tried bleeding the brakes? Sometimes air in the lines causes the break trouble light to come on.

Hi amfulbodmass,

If you have tried to reset the light leaving the key on in position #2 then I would recommend performing a battery reset. Sometimes if you go a while with the brake warning on, it can cause a temporary lock up of the system. Before disconnecting the Negative battery cable for 10 seconds just remember you will need to reset your clock etc. After the battery reset, you may have to once again leave the key on in position #2 for a few minutes before the reset occurs.

Did you change the sensor? if you did, do a battery reset (disconnect for 10 to 20 min.).

Obviously the wear sensor has made contact with the rotor and is already damaged. You're not even suppose to resuse the wear pad sensor if its worn or damaged anyways.The way how the sensor works is that it must make contact to the rotor to complete the wear pad light indicator circuit. There is no mentioning that he replaced the the wear pad sensor with a new one.

But if one did replaced the wear pad sensor and the wear pad indicator is lit up, the way to reset it is to leave the key on in ignition switch #2 or #1 for about 30sec. turn it off and its reset.

Its possible that you forgot to replace the brake light sensors. They are about 15 bucks, and have to be replaced in order for that light to turn off. You can either get them from the dealer where they'll likely charge you 3 times as much, or you can go to http://www.turnermotorsport.com and get them there.

You have to reset the light by leaving the ignition switch on position #2 for about 30 sec. turn off the ignition and start the engine up and see if it goes out. I recommend buying a new wear pad sensor as well because now light will lit up when you're way below spec (less than 3mm)

Also, you could try with this procedure for one E39: Turning off the Check Brake Linings warning on the Instrument Cluster...
- so you've just changed the brake pads on your E39, along with the wear sensors. The old sensor(s) needed replacement cause you waited a bit too long before changing the pads, and wore through the sensor(s), turning on the BRAKE light on the dash. But wait, the light is still on? But there's a new sensor installed... what gives?!
- there is a procedure required in order to turn off the light/warning. With the ignition off, step on and hold the brake pedal. Now, while holding the brake pedal down, turn on the ignition switch to position 2 (just before cranking). Hold the brake pedal until the BRAKE light is off. Tada, the warning is gone and reset.

NOTE: This procedure worked on a 2001 E46 325i. It took about 15-20 seconds, but it cleared out w/o having to unhook the battery.

Other details find in the Owners Manual 2006-BMW-Z4m-Roadster-Owner-Manual

Keep us updated.

Hi Peters6709,
Sorry to tell you, but you need to replace the pad-wear sensors as well. They are the little trapezoid pieces that hang inside the tops of the inside pads. They should run about $10 each. Once replaced, disconnect the battery completely for about 10 minutes, if you have a stock radio keep the code handy.

Next time check the pads every 10-12K miles. I have been running the SAME pad wear sensors on my Z3 for the past 2 pad changes now after making the same mistake the first time.

Best of luck!

To reset the light, turn the key to position two and have the drivers door open for about 40 seconds, the light should automatically go off.. good luck.

your wheyel nut arnt so tight

One method describes just turning the key to position 2 and giving it about 30 seconds and that it will reset on its own. A manual method is described here:

Mini Cooper Reset Service Indicators

I dunno if this will work on your BMW, but on my BMW Z3 and M3, it was....

Turn the ignition key to position 2, but do NOT start the car. Wait for about 45 seconds and the brake warning message will be reset.

If it doesn't reset, then the brake sensor was damage. You will need to replace the brake sensor. It sounds like you replace the brake right after you saw the warning, so the brake sensor should be okay.