I did a bad thing yesterday in my '03 MC w/ 6K miles on it. I went 30 miles at highway speed with the parking brake on. How did I figure that out? I noticed the run flat sensor light blinking on the speedo. Funny I didn't notice whether the red brake light was lit on the tach so I can't tell you if it was on or not.

Anyway, when I saw the yellow light blinking I pulled over at first chance, checked the pressure in all four tires which were correctly inflated, and checked the tires for damage ... none noticeable. When I checked the back tires, the overheated brake smell was strong and they were of course hot to touch ... then I realized what I had done.

I haven't talked to a service tech about this yet. The parking brake is holding OK and I haven't noticed any braking problems. Am I foolish to wait til the 10K checkup to have them examined? I'm not equipped to do the inspection myself.

And, is the run flat sensor system triggered by heat from the brakes as well as changes in tire pressure? I deactivated the sensor when I figured it was the heat that set it off ... Have I made the wrong deduction about the relationship?

I don't expect anyone else to fess up to such a stupid oversight but maybe someone knows the techincal relationships...

Thanks, JoeGreen's absentminded driver LN ops:

 

I would stop by the dealer for a quick look over. The runflat sensor is based on revolutions per mile. the E brake was slowing the rears moreso than the fronts.

Alex

 

No big deal. As Alex mentioned the brake was just causing the rear wheels to rotate a little slow which triggered the flat sensor.

As for damage done, you have worn or possibly even damaged (warped, glazed) some inexpensive, routine replacement parts. If your brakes vibrate now, you'll need new rear rotors, and if you've glazed the pads, you'll have reduced rear brake power but the ABS system will compensate in severe conditions. Eventually the glazing will wear off and you'll be back to normal. Motor on!