87 560SL dash light question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

matinee · #1 02-03-2007, 11:09 AM

I just got my car back from the shop. Now I have a light I've never seen flashing before lighting up periodically. It's directly to the right of the 'BRAKE' light and has a circle with dashes around it. Of course, the shop is closed this weekend, so I can't get help to find out what this is about.

Any help is greatly appreciated for my troubled mind. I just installed a new distributor cap, radiator and water pump, along with a bunch of maintenance. So, I'm not looking forward to putting it right back in the shop...

David Langsam · #2 02-03-2007, 11:25 AM

Hi Matinee,

That is the brake pad wear sensor. It indicates that one or more of your brake pads needs replacing. At first it blinks a little as the sensor makes intermittent contact. After a while, it comes on solid. I can't quite remember if all four wheels have this, or just the front two. I was told you have about 500 miles at this point before the pads need replacing.

What kind of work did you have done?

David

matinee · #3 02-03-2007, 11:34 AM

thanks. i had suspected that it was the brake pads. i had felt a little slipping off and on since I've had the car (starting at about 80,000 miles, now at 89,500). also just because of the icon on the light.

as for the other work: i got new belts as the water pump was already out, changed the oil, flushed and replaced the steering fluid, replaced the fuel filter and the seal rings, serviced the differential

i really need a new set of tires, too, but am officially tapped at this point.

David Langsam · #4 02-03-2007, 11:43 AM

It sounds like it is just coincidence then. You don't have to rush out and do it right away, but take care of it soon. I can sympathize about always having to take it to the shop. I'm fighting an A/C problem right now, well I will be when summer rolls around. They are a fun ride though, aren't they.

David

matinee · #5 02-03-2007, 11:53 AM

They sure are fun. I had a friend drive me in the car the other day, and I think that that might have been even more fun!

I hear you on the AC. I haven't even begun to think about fixing mine. At least the heater works.

Thanks again for the help. Brake pads (fingers crossed) shouldn't be too expensive when the time comes.

Strife · #6 02-03-2007, 01:45 PM

The brake pads and rotors on an 86+ SL are just as easy, if not easier, to replace than on a Ford Taurus. I've never been able to understand why they cost 4x to have someone else replace them.