Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires Need Help - Where does this lead go?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Razone23, Nov 13, 2013.

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  1. Razone23

    Razone23 Active Member

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    so while driving my flat tire sensor light came on.i checked all tires and they all had the same pressure. then i found a loose wire on the rear right side brake caliper.it appears to have some come loose i can't figure out where it should this connects or leads to.does anyone have any suggestion before i head to the dealership.
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    It may be the brake pad wear sensor.

    Also the light may have come on due to the temperature falling. It happens a lot this time of year. Tires get aired up in the summer when the temps are int eh 80's, a cold night drops the pressure causing the TPMS to think the tires are going down.
     
  3. DryMartini

    DryMartini New Member

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    This won't apply to MINIs, but for cars with a full spare and a pressure sensor, don't forget to add air to the spare as you adjust the regular tires. The spare can trip the TP light too. Found this out first hand on my SUV. Thought about this just before taking to the dealer when I couldn't find any reason why the light came on. Saved a trip and a charge.
     
  4. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    What nathan said.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    What year & model is your MINI Razone23? No MINI has a TPMS sensor in a spare tire. No MCS has a spare tire.

    Could be the wire to the wheel speed (abs) sensor. R50 R52 R53 MINI's use that sensor to work the abs along with the tire inflation warning. My guess is that is torn loose from the sensor causing your flat tire light. Remember I just guessed. :wink:

    Brake pad wire should not cause low tire warnings.

    I think Nathan has it nailed. Cold temps lower pressure.
     
  6. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    I agree... What KittyMini said....
     
  7. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    Yup, I go with the cold issue, just happened to me on both MINIs
     
  8. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    A Clubman S has a well for a spare, not that anyone seems to know about it
     
  9. Razone23

    Razone23 Active Member

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    Crashton. i have an 06 convetible S. when i checked the manual they refer to the light as the flat tire sensor.the light in on the speed guage.to be axact right below the 110 mph reading. i think to reset the warning you have a button next to the E brake. sorry but i'm still learing the M/A site. i would have posted pictures already.as the wire has to connect somewhere. it's just haging out near the brake caliper.rear right side.
     
  10. Razone23

    Razone23 Active Member

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  11. minime331

    minime331 New Member

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    That's the rear pad wear sensor it clips into the inner break pad
     
  12. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Yup...
    There is a special cut out in the brake pad backing plate. It just pushes into the cut out...
    As the brake material wears down to the disc this sensor is designed to wear through when contacting the rotating disc and cause an open circuit tripping a light / code...
     
  13. Razone23

    Razone23 Active Member

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    so i guess that answered my question, what issue can happen when not connected besides the light coming on ? because i have noticed a large amount of brake dust on the wheels.for example a short drive about a mile down the road.once i park and look at the wheel i have brake dust all over the wheel.i checked the pads and they have over 80% life left to them.not sure who makes them but i will check.. thanks Metalman.
     
  14. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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