Brake Pad Sensors On 88 Carrera

[Desert Man]

In the last week the brake pad sensor light is lighting up now after I move my 88 Carrera. The pads were done about 9 months ago and I have accumulated only about 8000 miles since the pad change out. Curiously, my mechnanic put new sensors on the front ( they evidently came with the pads), but did not replace the rear sensors.

I had to replace tires on the rear today and looked at the sensor wiring and could not see any obvious problem. It appears the only way to remove the sensor is to slide the pads out. What is the best way to check the sensor, a simple continuity test or something more involved? My mechanic told me that a lot of his customers just put jumper plugs in because they are religious about car maintenance, but looking at the suspension arm where the sensor harness plugs in, I am not sure what the jumper would look like.

According to Bentley, the light is evidence of a ground short as the light is off until I move the car, then goes dark after I turn off the ignition until I repeat the process. Anybody have any pointers on how to isolate this problem?

[89911]

Sensors are closed loop, so you must have it broken somewhere. Pull the rear wheels and unplug the sensor on top of the trailing arm. Short a wire across both pins and see if light goes out. If either one, you will have to pull the plug out and replace with a new one. Should take about 10 minutes. You are correct in stating that most just use an old sensor, cut the wires and then twist then together. Finish with some heat shrink tubing. Sensors were designed for the guy who goes to the dealer every 15,000 miles and doesn't know jack about brake pads. Not the usual Porsche owner.