My '13 Sportwagen with ~45k threw a nice red
BRAKE warning and the MFI claims "BRAKE WEAR"
Looking at the manual the
BRAKE indicates either low fluid or a "malfunction". And makes no mention of break wear indication anywhere else in the list of warning lights.
Does anyone know if
BRAKE is the correct break wear indicating light or do I have to go hunt some gremlins down since the fluid level is fine.
Perhaps the Manual is wrong?
Haven't been able to check pads yet, hope to do so tonight. From searching it looks like the sensor wire is prone to failure.
Seems odd there is no dedicated break wear indicator like every other car on this planet, but since buying this car I've learned to not expect much from VW.
PICTURE FROM MANUAL
First
THIS is not needed.
"dedicated break wear indicator like every other car on this planet"
Second, I am going to assume "break" is brake pad.
You say these pad indicators (assume you mean will illuminate a dash warnings) are common or on "every other car on the planet"? What cars have you had that had dedicated brake wear indicators that showed up on the dash and how did it work? Just asking. There are systems, but common is not the word I'd use. I'd use uncommon. I'd say on very some (not all) very high end brand models, made by Lexus, Benz, BMW, Porsche it is available, sometimes as an expensive option.
The two most common brake pad indicators are: 1) visual inspection of the groove in the pad, and 2) the "squealer". You seem like an expert so I won't explain. However if you are not familiar Google it.
To be honest looking for brake pad thickness or depth (especially with open rims, caliper visible) is slightly more difficult than looking to see if your car is dirty and needs a wash. Why add more wires, complexity, weight, cost for something that needs attention every two or three tire changes. Also standard MX schedule has you check brake pad wear every 10K or 20K I recall. You should have had pads and fluids checked 5K ago... If you relying on driving and letting the car lights tell you to service it, that is well in a word, bad.
Brake warning is as the manual says, period. Brake failure indications on these cars has to do more with the complicated sensors, ABS and fluid level sensor, not thickness of the pads which are easily done by VISUAL INSPECTION by scheduled MX... If you want more, sorry. Get a shop manual if you want to learn more about the brakes and how to check or service them.
Even if your pads were worn, you ignored all the noise they were making (squealer), you would still stop, albeit grinding the rivets into the disks, but then you would be at grossly negligent.
Suggest you get a Ross Tech Cable or VAGCOM cable and read the codes. If you plan on being a real VW enthusiast these are invaluable and will pay for their selves.
Last I never have heard of the speed sensors or their wires failing as common, unless they are abused by a mechanic.
PS FYI
1) These cars have very low brake pad wear unless you drive like a moron. 45K pads are not worn. I have 83K and my pads are still good as other report.
2) The back brakes might wear faster then other cars, even faster than the front, due to the bias valve that uses the back brakes more under light stops, to avoid nose dive.
3) You should follow recommended MX schedule, flush your brake fluid with approved VW brake fluid within first 3 years then 2 years thereafter to avoid corrosion. Fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture.
I have never met a car that has a brake pad wear sensor that doesn't give you a clear indication that it has been triggered.
This thing is giving me a "any part of the brake system could be failing" warning. I don't take the threat of a brake fluid leak lightly.
(BTW, kudos to VW on burying the brake fluid reservoir where you can't read the Max/Min on the side)
Seems odd they wouldn't list the most common brake failure/maintenance need in the manual if that is in fact what this warning is for.
Wow you really complain a lot.
"I have never met a car that has a brake pad wear sensor that doesn't give you a clear indication that it has been triggered."
Again that is total drama and exaggeration on your part. I am sorry. Brake pad wear on most cars is by routine maintenance inspections or if you are negligent, the brake squealer.
"This thing is giving me a "any part of the brake system could be failing" warning".
Yep... again get it to service or buy a cable and read the code. Dash lights are not going to give you complete diagnostics. Yes, if you get a brake light comes on you should investigate or bring it in for service. Brake pads by the way are the least likely thing to fail or cause total loss of a system. Again you know the system has redundancies and also an E-brake. There is really nothing even remotely odd about the VW brakes or warnings compared to any other modern car.
"(BTW, kudos to VW on burying the brake fluid reservoir where you can't read the Max/Min on the side)"
I have no problem reading the brake fluid level. The average driver with little to no mechanical skill can do this. You may have no idea of the engineering and design challenges in getting an engine, trans and all the systems under the hood in a compact sleek package. If you are a genius designer, tell us more. I think your complaints are hyperbolic. Where would you mount the brake reservoir? If you have a problem checking breke fluid level, that is on you. Kudos!
