Several days ago SLIP, traction control, and e-brake lights were on when I started the car. Seemed to drive fine, then down the highway they all turned off. Then tehy turned back on. And off.

Then they stayed off; then today I started the car and all 3 were on again. What's that mean?

Nothing unusual to report about recent activity in the car (e.g., swapping rims, doing massive brnouts, etc...)

 

Check your Brake Fluid, and also check your brake pads.

 

^ +1

 

Too cold (-30*) to check brake pads ... I'll probably just assume it's the pads/rotors (03 5at; 50k) as I read a lot about this on 350z (doesn't seem like a module control failure because I still have traction control) ..... any good how-to replace pads/rotors - I've done a lot of aftermarket brakes (wilwoods), never stock stuff before

BTW, anybody have some good recommendations on aftermarket brake pads that will perform well and won't dust like crazy like the stockers did?

 

umm, my suggestion is to pay somebody else to freeze to death in -30* temperatures.... where are you? must be canada right?

 

I had this problem a few days ago when starting up in really cold weather. I came home and checked the brake fluid it ended up being low. I suggest you top off your fluids if its low and drive around a little more the lights should go away.

 

another thing that would cause this is improper wheel sizes on the car. make sure your tires are properly inflated as well.

 

I thought about doing that, but why make more work for myself and have to drain it later - already have 50k on the car, on stock 03 5at brakes, so it's probably time to change them.

 

I've already planned to flush my brake fluid and refill with ATE superblue, as well as my clutch fluid. I saw how dirty everything was, and wanted to do it right away. But unfortunately living in KS with the weather like it is now, there is no way in hell I'm bleeding my brake lines in 10 degree weather. So topping it off is the best option right now.

 

I had the same problem a couple months back. I added more brake fluid and problem solved. I recommend trying that first.

 

G35Driver rules - I remember seeing these threads pop up every year once the extreme cold sets in. My fluid was half way between low and full, topped off with DOT4 and VIOLA! VDC, slip, brake all shut off as soon as I fired the car up. Walked over to my Maxima, and VIOLA again, fixed the same problem over there (different lights, but same problem). Must be a Nissan quirk with extreme cold temps. FYI - my code reader reported no codes when the lights were still on.

 

so our cars use DOT 4 not DOT 3 right?

 

I don't know of anyone that wouldn't recommend putting DOT4 synthetic in. It can be mixed with DOT3 which is what comes from the factory. DOT4 synthetic has higher boilover protection and also shouldn't break down as quickly. You'll find that the minimal cost difference is easily worth your while. If you're concerned about an infiniti tech somehow knowing that you put DOT4 into your brake system (and I don't know how they could possibly figure that out), you can certainly stick with DOT3.

 

You might also want to check your speed sensor. I had the same exact issue as the OP and we filled the brake fluid, didn't work. Changed the brakes, didn't work. Tires weren't an issue, but as soon as I changed the speed sensor, boom they never came on again. Have your mechanic, or yourself if you have a code reader, hook up his/your unit and go for a spin. Check the screen that has the ABS input, steering angle, speed, YAW, etc. Make sure that both speeds from the rear wheels are exactly the same at all times. If one is different you may want to replace your speed sensor. Kinda pricey, but it should do the trick!

 

Thanks SiouxFallsG35