What Sets Off the Mercedes Brake Pad Wear Warning and How to Reset It?

Brakes are crucial for road safety… Automakers are fully aware of this fact and have put a lot of resources into strengthening their vehicles’ braking systems. The ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ warning feature in Mercedes models is the result of such efforts. Want to learn more about this alert? Well, go through this blog post…

Mercedes' Check Brake Pad Wear Warning System in A Nutshell

When it comes to self-diagnosis, no car brand can beat Mercedes… thanks to features like this.

The appearance of the ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ alert on your Mercedes simply suggests that the brake pads are worn below the recommended threshold and need to be replaced for a safer braking experience. Wondering how the onboard diagnostic system knows when the brake pads are reaching the end of their useful life? Well, there are wear sensors embedded in the brake pad assembly

Although this alert is incredibly useful for knowing when it’s due for brake pad replacement, it can sometimes pop up for no reason. Listed below are some of the most obvious explanations as to why your Mercedes’ ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ light might appear, along with things that you can do to reset it.

Understanding the Possible Triggers… Other Than Worn Brake Pads

#1- Sensor malfunction

One reason your Mercedes might display the ‘check brake pad wear’ warning, even when there is nothing wrong with the brake pads, is defective sensors. Sensors embedded in the brake pad assembly make it possible for the onboard computer to keep track of brake pad wear level. If it malfunctions, it may deliver erroneous readings to the diagnostic system… which could result in the activation of the brake pad wear warning, even if the brake pads are in completely good shape.

#2- Connectivity issues

The alert might also get activated if the sensor fails to communicate with the computer because of a defective connector or a damaged wire. Corrosion in the sensor’s sensitive parts can also disrupt the flow of information to the computer… which may also result in the appearance of the ‘check brake pad wear’ alert. If the fuse protecting the sensor’s circuit blows or any of the wires in the circuit gets damaged because of an electrical short, the warning light might also appear.

#3- Incorrect installation

Have you recently had your Mercedes’ brake system serviced or repaired? If the brake pads are not installed correctly―aligned with the sensor―it may also result in the unwarranted appearance of the ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ message. Using a non-compatible sensor can also result in the activation of the said warning.

How to Reset the Warning

Step #1- Check the obvious

If your Mercedes displays the ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ alert, check if there is enough friction material left on the brake pads. If they appear fine, inspect the wear sensor for signs of damage.

Step #2- Necessary repair, adjustment/ replacement

Consider replacing the brake pads if they have reached the minimum thickness… as recommended by the manufacturer. If the sensors have sustained any form of deformity, replace them. If they don’t appear to be aligned with the brake pads, make the necessary adjustments.

Step #3- Use an OBD-II scanner if necessary

One way to trace such an issue to its root is by accessing the error code stored in the fault memory using an OBD-II scanner. Such tools are quite handy when it comes to resetting alerts like ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’.

Step #4- Don't hesitate to ask professionals

If you have no clue why your Mercedes’ ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ alert might have activated, visit the nearest service center. Just to be clear… such issues should only be diagnosed by factory-trained professionals with years of experience in dealing with complicated issues in Mercedes models.

Wrapping Up

If your Mercedes displays the ‘Check Brake Pad Wear’ alert, it usually means that one or more of the vehicle’s brake pads have reached the minimum thickness level and need to be replaced. Some other reasons why the alert might get activated even when there is nothing wrong with the brake pads, include wear sensor malfunction, connection issue, and more. Have the issue checked by factory trained professionals before it turns into expensive repairs.

We at Euromotive Performance located in Hallandale Beach, Florida is an independent automotive repair & service facility having a lot of experience in fixing even the most complex of issues affecting luxury cars.