Disc Pad Warning Light

B

Bill

Member
Had our 2003 Audi A2 1.4 TDI Sport for a couple of months and my wife and I are very happy with our purchase. However, we really feel every bump and blemish of the road surface. I reckon that if you drove over a 10 pence piece, you could tell from the ride whether it was Heads or Tail up!!

Going over speed bumps in an A2 is something we always do very carefully and slowly otherwise the stiff suspension throws the car about and you risk suspension damage. However, yesterday we went slowly (15mph) over a speed bump, then a couple of seconds later, the Brake Pad Warning Light (yellow) came on in the centre of the Dash display.

I first thought that we had reached the wear point indicator on the Disc Pads but when I checked them with the wheels off they are almost new. A point confirmed when I looked at my last service invoice (29,000 miles) and new pads had been fitted. Current milage is 32,000 so hardly worn!!

When I checked the Disc Pad Warning Light Sensor cable, I found that it had split open at a connector joint where it is anchored near the Shock Absorber. When I gently opened the split, I could see the electrical connector block inside. One of the two cables coming out of the connector block had split in half. It appeared too small and fiddly to repair so I reckon I will need the whole Cable replacing. The cable goes from the wheel arch and through into the engine bay.

It would appear that motion of going over speed bumps or bumpy roads caused the outer cable and the cable joint to fail as it does not appear to be supported adequately. It may even be a design fault.

Has this fault happened to anyone else or is my problem just a one off?
Does anyone have a Brake Pad Warning Light that won't go out - even after fitting new pads?

If I replace the cable myself, will I need Dealer intervention to (maybe) switch the Warning light off or will the light just go out when the faulty cable is replaced?

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated.
 
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Hi Bill,

You are right about a design fault - there is a technical bulletin which relates to a modified part to stop this very thing happening.

I'd get down to the dealer and badger them until they sort you out, free of charge.

Cheers,

Mike

PS On later Sports, the modification is pre-installed.
 
Technical bulletins

Hi Mike.
Would it be possible to post any new technical bulletins or recalls on the forums as I wonder how many of us don't get to hear of them.
regards, Malcolm.
 
Unfortunately, neither do I - the info on the brake cable was only gleaned from the workshop manager when I went for a test drive for my power steering faults some months ago.

As for recalls, there have been 2:

Recall: No. 1 of 2
Recall Ref: R/2004/213
Exact Model: A3, A2 and A4
Description: Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break
VIN:
Build Date:
Numbers: 14818
Defect: It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine, the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result, the pump housing will not be tight, and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Action: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range, the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Launch Date: 01 March 2005

Recall: No. 2 of 2
Recall Ref: R2001/003
Exact Model:
Description: ELECTRICAL FIRE
VIN: WAUZZZ8ZZ1N000107 TO WAUZZZ8ZZ1N027533
Build Date: 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2000
Numbers: 1028
Defect: Air conditioner components may come into contact with the starter motor in a frontal collision. This could result in a short circuit and an electrical fire.
Action: Recall vehicles to fit a protective cover to the starter motor.
Launch Date: 26 February 2001

My A2 was included in the first recall to do with the fuel pump, but I was never told or sent any info - I had to ask the dealer, having heard the information from a VW forum!!!!

Cheers,

Mike
 
Hi Mike,
Do you have an specific details relating to the Techical Bulletin issed by Audi as the Audo Customer Service Centre in the West Midlands say they cannot trace such a Bulletin.

Any numbers or date would greatly help.
Bill
 
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