Disc pad messages

[BRUMMY]

Hi All
Just replaced the front discs, pads and sensor, with all genuine Land Rover parts
The message came up 'Check brake pads' and the red light on the cluster.
Should these messages and the red light go off, or do I have to go to the dealer to get them cleared.
Also the brakes have been a little smoky, is that normal ?
Another question, how often should the brake fluid be changed ?
Cheers Paul.

[Homestar]

I believe that the fault will clear on its own eventually, or you can reset it yourself without a computer or visiting the dealer - http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/156590-reset-procedure-l322.html

I replace my brake fluid every 5 years as a rule, and did the fluid on my L322 when I first bought it - it is a straightforward job. Just used DOT4 I think.

[BRUMMY]

Just realised why, maybe the brake warning light is still on.
The dealer has supplied me with two rear sensors, would putting a rear sensor on the front, make any difference to the electronic read out ?
Cheers Paul

[Homestar]

If he made it fit - no. The sensors sit in a normally open condition which closes as the pads wear out and the sensor is worn through - the disk completes the circuit. I didn't actually think the rear sensor would fit the front - the front has a much longer lead.

[BRUMMY]

The rear is a lot longer than the front, I compared the two and apart from the length, they were identical.The connection was hard to push in but it seemed to seat properly.
I just ended up putting a nylon tie to take up the slack
The messages are still there, and the red light on the dash illuninated.

[Homestar]

My bad - thought it was the other way around. Have you tried clearing the codes as described in the earlier post?

[Homestar]

You can leave the sensor unplugged if you think it is that - the ECU will see that the same way as a new good sensor - completely open.

[BRUMMY]

I have not tried the reset procedure that you advised me of , from Rangy Bits.
It asks for the vehicle identity number, is that the Vin number or something else ? .
Cheers Paul.

[Homestar]

Yep, the VIN. Add the last 5 digits of it together and that's the number you use in the procedure.

[BRUMMY]

Just fitted the correct front sensor and all warning lights and messages have gone.
Thanks for all the tips.
Paul

[donrover0]

I have /had similar red light problem, even after new discs, pads and sensors.
My problem is the contacts in the plug. The front plug has ever so slight corrosion and difficult to clean so every now and then, bout 2-3 months, I get red light on . Seems to only come on for around an hour or so, then extinguishes by itself.
Once problem is gone, it doesn't need reset by you or dealer.

[BRUMMY]

Hi Don
I had a similar problem.
When I tried to pull the sensor apart from the junction box, it was brittle and fell apart.
I pushed the sensor and the connector together and used some electrical tape to make sure the two parts stayed connected. Its worked perfect ever since.
Good luck.
Paul.