'93 400E: Brake Pad Lining Light and Oil Light Flickering

[FalconOps]

Sometimes while driving or when moving the 400E into a parking spot, the brake pad lining light and oil level light will flicker or stay on solid especially when I am at idle or at park. When I press down on the brake pedal, both lights will go away. The engine oil level is good (between min and max) and I think the front brakes are getting close to minimum spec but if the pad sensor did touch the rotor, won't the light just stay on and not flicker or go away?

Here's a video of the lights on. I just parked the 400E and is in Park and engine is at idle. Lights stay on solid but goes away when I press on the brake pedal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLwEM5EGqEI&feature=youtu.be

 

[nocfn]

Just curious, not a diagnosis but when was the wire harness changed?

 

[samiam44]

The oil level sensor is inside the motor. Passenger side of the block- in front of the motor mount bracket. You might want to look at the *LOWER* wiring harness, perhaps the insulation has cracked off and it is touching metal- I had the Alternator wire actually touch and short out on the bracket on the oil filter housing.
If everything is fine outside, I'd say you need to renew the sensor by removing the lower pan. If this is the diagnosis, then make sure you also look at threads and get the oil pickup piece too- it's rubber and depending on your car's year maybe a newer style.
If the pads are good? Then check the wiring. Klink noted that wheel cleaners tend to be hard on the rubber parts- wheel sensor wires and the lower ball joint boots.

 

[FalconOps]

Thanks for the information guys. I'll check the harness and pad wear sensors when I have time. The lights are flickering more often now but is still intermittent.

 

[nocfn]

Did you ever answer the question regarding lower harness age?

 

[samiam44]

Flickering is when the brake sensor is just coming into contact with the rotor- pretty common if your pads are low. Pads and brake fluid are cheap- if you don't mind dust Textars in the yellow box or newer ceramics from Akebono are low dust. Textars have better feel.


M