yep, and I finally realized you insert the plug into the clip sideways, then rotate it. not knowing that ended up taking me longer than the entire pad replacement.

From what I understand, the sensor works on a simple principle of completing a circuit. Once worn down to where it contacts the rotor, the rotor bridges the two leads and the circuit is complete and the ECU detects it. taking an old male connector with the wires snipped off and plugged into the female harness end, will mean you'll never be bothered by a low brake pad warning. You'll also have to check your pads visually however lol. I opted to have fully functional pad sensors.

btw the stickiest grease known to man was holding the stubborn pads in. A squirt of degreaser and letting it sit for about 5 minutes was all it took, I could then just pluck them out with my fingers.