Dash Brake Warning Light

On our 2003 Jetta for the past few years the brake warning light on the dash will come on and we get a three to four warning beeps. Historically, this would not happen right when we start the car but after driving anywhere from 5 to 10 miles and typically once we went over a bump would set it off.

The Brake Fluid is at the proper level and the brake pads have plenty of material. They were replaced a couple years ago, but this issue started before they were replaced, but I do think it is related to the brake pad sensor.

Previously, I would pull the drivers side tire and disconnect the brake pad sensor connector and hit it with some electrical cleaner, and the problem would go away for a few months before returning.

Last weekend I did that procedure and now the brake warning light comes on when we start the car and does not turn off. At least we not longer get the beep while driving and have passengers get concerned we have a brake problem.

So, my questions are:

• What different functions does the Brake Warning Light monitor in our MKIV-A4 cars?
• Since I am 95% sure this is related to the brake pad sensor (connector), and I monitor my brake pads thickness very closely, is there a way to bypass that monitoring?

Our Jetta TDI Wagon now has 180k, which I know is low for many of you, but I would never had guessed when we purchased it new in July of 2003 we would still be driving it 14 year later. :cool:



Thanks for the help.

Dash Brake Warning Light