[MRR]

Should I be worried?

The ABS, VDC and Slip lights were on my 2010 Altima when I started it this afternoon. Car felt odd; traction was horrible despite the roads being all right, taking foot off the break did not have it go around 5 mph like usual.

I pulled into a parking lot, checked some things (nothing found), stopped and started a few times. Deciding to give up, I continued on my journey. Lights magically went off and all was well.

I did some research on this with possible solutions being a brake sensor or low fluid, worn pads, similar crap. But none of those mentioned the lights eventually going off and the car being ok.

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
MRR

 

[Petty]

The only time mine have ever come on and gone off was when I was sliding on real bad icy roads.....but once I regained traction the lights went off...

 

[MRR]

This had nothing to do with actual traction. The lights never turned off from the initial start (sitting in the parking lot).

But, it does concern me that you've never experienced it. Maybe the cold weather caused a sensor misread, and driving a bit solved that.

 

[jd10013]

if anything, is probably one of the wheel sensors. sometimes they'll start to work intermittently when they're starting to go. the only reason the VDC and slip lights are coming on is because they wont work without the ABS, so the car is shutting them off.

 

[MRR]

if anything, is probably one of the wheel sensors. sometimes they'll start to work intermittently when they're starting to go. the only reason the VDC and slip lights are coming on is because they wont work without the ABS, so the car is shutting them off.

Interesting. I'll keep my eye on that. Any way to tell which sensor, or will my mechanic get the joy of replacing all of them?

 

[monster289]

if anything, is probably one of the wheel sensors. sometimes they'll start to work intermittently when they're starting to go. the only reason the VDC and slip lights are coming on is because they wont work without the ABS, so the car is shutting them off.

+1. Definitely sounds like a bad ABS / wheel sensor.

I'm not sure if it's possible to trace or identify which one is bad. Worse case scenario, you'd have to buy one front and one rear sensor. It's unlikely that two would fail at the same time. You could get lucky and just buy one front sensor, and swap the new part into one side to see if that fixes it. If it doesn't, try the opposite side. If that still doesn't fix it, the problem is most likely one of the rear sensors.

It's not very difficult to replace the sensors yourself if you have some basic hand tools and a torque wrench, floor jack and stands. You can rent specialty tools if necessary.

 

[MRR]

The problem did not manifest itself this morning. If it happens again when the weather is warm enough, I'll change them myself. If it happens a few more times while it's still cold, I guess I'll get to spend time with my mechanic.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[jd10013]

Interesting. I'll keep my eye on that. Any way to tell which sensor, or will my mechanic get the joy of replacing all of them?

they'll just scan it. the scanners the dealers and private shops have can scan all the BCM's in the car to identify a problem. the cheap ones you buy in the autoparts store just scan the ECM for engine problems.

 

[jdublup]

http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/20...-slip-light-after-replacing-brake-switch.html

Read my posts at the bottom of the thread. I had to replace my front driver side sensor last year.

I didn't have any change in driving or performance though. I think your "feel" meter might just be that, a "feeling". One thing that should happen is that the ABS might engage when the roads are clear while applying the brake.

I didn't get my car scanned because I was already changing brakes and noticed the rubbed sensor wire while doing it. Changing out the sensor solved my problem.

 

[the.wong.kid]

if the brake fluid is low, it will trigger those lights, you could be a slight incline or w/e.

 

[Nissan-MasterTech]

Simpelist things first, check the master cylinder.

As mentioned , a low brake fluid level will turn on the light.

As fluid displaces from the master cylinder resivour to the calipers due to normal wear on the pads the level drops.

You may also want to inspect your brake pads for wear and replace if needed.

 

[nickpoulson1256]

just changed sensors my VDC light was turning on and mine is hybrid so we changed battery etc crankshaft and camshaft things went well. then we did my front abs sensors and stuff ran better. however earlier today we did the back sensors and now the ABS Brake and vdc light are on???? the ABS light was never on prior.. can anyone please help im freaking out. suggestions?

 

[nickpoulson1256]

Simpelist things first, check the master cylinder.

As mentioned , a low brake fluid level will turn on the light.

As fluid displaces from the master cylinder resivour to the calipers due to normal wear on the pads the level drops.

You may also want to inspect your brake pads for wear and replace if needed.

just changed sensors my VDC light was turning on and mine is hybrid so we changed battery etc crankshaft and camshaft things went well. then we did my front abs sensors and stuff ran better. however earlier today we did the back sensors and now the ABS Brake and vdc light are on???? the ABS light was never on prior.. can anyone please help im freaking out. suggestions?