Been learning to replace my own pads and rotors. I think I did alright. But now I can't see where to plug in the pad end of the sensor. I can see where it looks like it's supposed to go, but it doesn't quite fit in there. I'm hoping someone has some advice, and I'm hoping I don't have to take the calipers apart again to put this in. Honestly, I don't care about the pad sensor, as I intend to check my pads as part of periodic checks like fluids and tire pressure. So if it's safe to not even bother with the pad sensors and ignore the sensor light, I'd rather do that.

The image shows the pad end of the sensor and the slot in the pad where it looks like it's supposed to go. It won't fit in there even with a small amount of force.

 

Yep that's where it goes. Make sure you have everything aligned right, the backing plate on the pad goes into the channel on the sensor, give it a little push and wiggle and it goes in. It helps to turn the wheel so the front is pointing out so you can see better.

 

I don't think it is a good idea to not use the sensor but several people on the forums have tied them off and done without. They are usually shorting out the old one, not putting in a new one.

 

those are not OE pads .... is it an OE sensor?

the fit may be tight due to the coating on the backing plate ... I'd file it off in the slot

I too find the sensors pretty useless (the 02 didn't have them) ... on my 7 I snipped the wires and tied the ends together at the first pad change. No light to worry about - the system "sees" a good sensor. I rotate tires every oil change so it is easy to visually check the pads then. But I do brakes for others and if they want the sensors I hook 'em up.