When the brake warning light illuminates on the dashboard, you must rectify the problem immediately. It may be a serious problem with deadly consequences if left unchecked. You may be wondering why the yellow brake light is on and how to reset it.
Worn brake pads, low brake fluid, and an engaged emergency brake may cause the yellow brake light on BMW Driving with yellow light is dangerous. You must have a mechanic diagnose the problem and undertake the necessary solutions.
The yellow lights on your BMW may come on without warning. The first thing to think about is taking off the wheel and checking. If the pads are okay, you can try resetting the brake light. If the brake lights remain even after resetting, you must know what to do in such a situation.
What Is The Yellow Brake Light On BMW?
Rectifying the problem requires discovering the underlying factor that caused the problem.
Worn Brake Pads
Placing your foot on the brake pedal makes the brake pads press on the brake rotors or drums connected to the spinning wheels. It produces friction forcing the wheels to slow down, making your car stop.
Regular friction gradually wears away the brake pads. Wherever you use the brake pedal, you contribute to wearing away the brake pads. Over time, the brake light starts acting up to let you know that the pads need replacement.
Brake Fluid Is Low Or Leaks
Brake fluid transfers the force of the foot on the brake pedal to the wheel and brake pedal. Leaking brake fluid will make your Beemer stop braking completely.
When low on brake fluid, the capability declines. Low brake fluid wears out the brake pads since worn-out pads need more brake fluid for the required force to make your car brake.
Engaged Emergency Brake
The emergency brake light is the car’s warning light since the car is running and the emergency brake is engaged. The warning light lets you know when there’s something wrong by illuminating the brake light.
ABS Problem
The Anti Braking System (ABS) prevents you from locking up or applying too much pressure to your brakes. Your car will start skidding when the wheels stop turning, but the car is going too fast. It causes a loss in total control of the vehicle, which is very dangerous during high-speed driving.
The ABS light may come on because of various problems, including:
- A malfunctioning ABS module
- Low level in the fluid reservoir
- Broken wheel speed sensor
- The system is turned off.
How Do You Reset It?
You’ll have to consult your trusted mechanic to determine the source of the problem. Afterward, the mechanic will give you a comprehensive report, including the scope and cost of the appropriate repairs.
The engine has various lights, and the mechanic will determine which light is on and inspect the whole brake system while checking the brake pads and fluid level. A brake warning light indicates a serious problem.
After checking your brake system, ensure that your emergency brakes are off, and don’t put the car on the road. A low brake fluid level may make the brakes stop functioning.
Resetting brake light for BMW 1-series, 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, x1, x3, and x5
It’s a serious problem when the brake light warns on the dashboard. Check the owner’s manual to acquit yourself with your car’s brake warning lights. Some cars have a single light for brakes, ABS, and emergency brakes. There may be different colors to distinguish particular issues.
The obvious reasons why the brake lights may be on are usually worn-out brakes. The solution is to inspect the brakes and replace the worn-out ones or install new sensors. A mechanic must check your brake system to determine the component to replace.
After replacing the brake pads and wear sensor, you must reset the brake light. The brake light reset procedure is performed on the front and rear brakes. The brake pads must have at least 80% life remaining before reset.
Method One To Reset Bmw Brake Light
Turn on the ignition without starting the vehicle. Press the START button on your Beemer without pressing the brake pedals. Ensure time is displaced in the middle of the instrument cluster.
Press the ODO reset button and hold it for about five seconds. A yellow triangle will appear on the dashboard. Keep holding the ODO reset button until another symbol appears.
Continue pressing the ODO button until a symbol for front or rear brakes appears. Depending on the sensor you’re resetting, here are the following steps.
- Look for the symbol of the brake you want to reset, and press and hold the ODO button until RESET appears.
- Release the button immediately and press it again when the word reset shows below the reset symbol. Keep holding ODO until the brake light disappears.
- The miles will immediately change to _to indicate a successful reset.
- During the next reset, you’ll have to reset the brakes to 25,000 miles for the front and 31,000 for the rear. The values may vary by BMW model.
Method Two To Reset Bmw Brake Light
- Insert the key in the ignition and turn it on without starting the engine.
- Press and hold the BC button until time and mileage appear in the middle of the instrument panel.
- Press and hold the ODO reset button until a yellow triangle appears. Keep holding ODO until another button appears.
- Press the CHECK button on the steering column stalk until a rear brake symbol or front brake symbol appears.
- Press the BC button as the brake light displays on the dashboard until RESET appears below the brake symbol.
- Next, press and hold the BC button to complete the process.
Conclusion
You can’t drive your BMW when the brake light is on to avoid accidents. The light turns on in case of various issues, including low brake fluid or engaged emergency brakes. Have your vehicle diagnosed by a trusted mechanic to determine the cause and appropriate solutions.
