Service brake pad monitor

[Steiny33]

Hello,
 

I have a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.

 

I recently received an error message saying service brake monitor. It appears that I had a defective brake calliper and one side had an extremely low pad. The sensor itself was detached and dangling.  So, I replaced the front brakes and sensor cable yesterday. I neglected to put it into brake service mode at the time. I’ve since turned the brake service mode on and off and attempt to troubleshoot my problem.
 

When I go into the break life monitor, there are three options: front brakes installed, rear, brakes installed, and disable. 
 

None of the options are greyed out. Nothing happens when I select front brakes installed or rear brakes installed. The only thing I can change is enable or disable.  when it is disabled the service break monitor error message no longer pops up.

 

there are no service codes when I do a scan. I could disable the whole monitor and pretend like everything‘s OK but I paid $45 for the cable, I might as well have the system working as it should. 
 

I hope somebody has some suggestions. Thanks.

[alvarezz09]

I had this same problem, I have a 2020 GMC sierra 1500 Elevation. The service brake pad warning came up I brought it to the dealer and was told I had plenty pad left but that the sensor was grounding out and in order to replace it I would have to change my brakes. I just disabled the message. Now at 26,000 miles only I keep hearing a scrapping noise took off the rear calipers and noticed that my outside pad was still had a lot of life in it but the inner pad was totally gone. I think it has something to do with the electronic Parking Brake. Not Happy about this, now I need to by new rotors and brake pads for the rear. Iv had truck that I did not have to replace the brakes till 50,000 miles.

[Grover67]

Ya ran into the same issue when I replaced mine and couldn't reset the life monitor. Checked with a couple of local shops but they had no clue. So bit the bullet and checked with the local dealer and they got right in and reset it. They say GM does it as a safety issue and only wants dealerships to reset it.....crap 

[Steiny33]

On 6/21/2024 at 5:49 PM, alvarezz09 said:

I had this same problem, I have a 2020 GMC sierra 1500 Elevation. The service brake pad warning came up I brought it to the dealer and was told I had plenty pad left but that the sensor was grounding out and in order to replace it I would have to change my brakes. I just disabled the message. Now at 26,000 miles only I keep hearing a scrapping noise took off the rear calipers and noticed that my outside pad was still had a lot of life in it but the inner pad was totally gone. I think it has something to do with the electronic Parking Brake. Not Happy about this, now I need to by new rotors and brake pads for the rear. Iv had truck that I did not have to replace the brakes till 50,000 miles.

That sucks. I thought this monitor was going to bring piece of mind and ease. It’s done the opposite. 

[Steiny33]

On 6/21/2024 at 6:41 PM, Grover67 said:

Ya ran into the same issue when I replaced mine and couldn't reset the life monitor. Checked with a couple of local shops but they had no clue. So bit the bullet and checked with the local dealer and they got right in and reset it. They say GM does it as a safety issue and only wants dealerships to reset it.....crap 

I was afraid that was likely going to be my only option. 
 

Things just seem to be harder and harder.  GM is doing everything they can to suck money out of the customer.  I couldn’t even get the caliper from my two local auto parts stores. They couldn’t even get one.  My truck is a 2020. It’s not that new. 

[slimjim2525]

The whole thing is scam perpetrated by GM.  And what do we get here, a random supposed person from customer service, but no real action on anything.  Just look at the guys thread where his tranny is overheating.

[Grover67]

Supply issues are still a issue hard to imagine that it is...

 

I went with new rotors and pads(aftermarket) all the way around @ 30k.  Pad life was showing 88/90% and they had alot of pad left but I was getting vibration issues from the pad material imbedding on the backside of the rotors, due to what pad material gm has to use anymore. 

[Steiny33]

Hey folks…

 

I finally resolved my issue without having to go to the stealership.  
 

I used a tip from a user on Reddit. It wasn’t a suggested solution to my specific problem but it lead me to fixing it.  It was a combination of his advice along with my own steps after.  I would give him a shout-out but my screenshot missed his username. 
 

Anyway…. Maybe all of the steps are unnecessary but it worked so that’s all that matters.   Here are the steps I followed and added more of mine to the end:

 

With vehicle running, Put the truck in brake service mode. (Hold the brake and Parking brake button for 15-20 seconds until the P flashes yellow. Then release both and quickly press the parking button again. It should continue flashing.)

 

Then turn off the ignition.

 

Disconnect negative terminal of the battery (10mm socket).
 

Pump the brakes to seat the pads. (depress the brake pedal as far as you can, wait a few seconds, and repeat 10x or so)

 

Reconnect battery.
 

Leave in service mode while connecting an OBDII and do a scan.

 

Take it out of service mode. Run another scan, it should only show a MIL sensor now.  (P25A2)

NOTE: Mine never had any error codes at any point. 
 

Delete the MIL code from stored and pending. NOTE: I still never had any codes so I ignored this step. 
 

Immediately turn the ignition off.

 

Press ignition button for 5 seconds or so until full accessory mode is on.  (Not just the basic accessory mode). 
 

Scan with your OBD2.  Erase codes even if none show up.

 

Turn vehicle back on and you should be good to go. 

[RyanbabZ71]

I changed my brakes last Friday.  I couldnt reset the brake pad life monitor.  I purchased a topdon Artidiag500 scanner and was able to reset it this way.