My wife has a 2001 Audi A6 Quattro 2.7 T. The car recently had new brakes and rotors installed. The other day however, the indicator for brake pads being worn (O) appeared in the dash. I know that these type of pads have a sensor built into them, so as to warn the driver when they should be replaced. Anyone know any other reasons why this indicator light would come on even though the pads are new? Could the sensor in the pads be defective? Should I try to get the shop to warranty the pads? Perhaps some wiring became severed? I'm trying to get some idea what might be going on before I bring it in. Also, is this indicator light only for the front brakes? The rear brakes don't have the sensor built into them, correct?

 

Wanted to bump this post up...I also just got this indicator of worn brake pads and too was wondering if worn rear pads could cause it. I thought since there was no sensor on the back ones it wouldn't but when i went in for an inspection recently they failed the rear pads but said the fronts were ok.
Any idea on how many hours of labor it should be to have brake pads and rotors replaced?

 

In most cases the front pads are worn out and needs to be replaced. Sometimes the cable from the sensors could be loose or damaged. And also in some cases, you will notice that the light comes on sometimes when you use your breaks but not always, that usually indicates that the ABS system failing.

 

How does the brake pad light get reset? I had my rear brake pads and rotors replaced today and told the front ones were fine. Is it supposed to automatically go off?

 

Worn pads, either front or rear, will cause this light. If you only had the fronts replaced, most likely it is the backs. The light should go off on it's own. When it comes on, you usually have quite a bit of pad material left so you don't have to drop everything and get them fixed right away with whatever parts are on the shelf (like I did). You have time to order quality parts.

Bob

 

I also need to replace my front and rear rotors and pads on my 2004 A4 3.0. But I am undecided on what to buy (OEM, Drilled rotors, Slotted rotors, both drilled and slotted, ceramic pads?) Anyone have any recommendations?