This exact same thing happened to me yesterday. I was driving home from the gas station and about halfway home my ABS, SLIP, and VDC OFF lights all came on. My car was driving fine but when I arrived home and turned my car off I could hear a pump running. I gave it a few minute and then popped my hood. I think it was the ABS pump, it was right next to my brake fluid reservoir. I gave it a few minutes then disconnected my negative terminal. I let it sit over night then started my car again in the morning. When I started it I couldn't hear the pump running, and then after turning my car off the pump was definitely not running. All the lights were still on though. I started my car again, the lights came, next I drove for about a mile and all the lights went off. I found this thread last night and just thought I might be able to add something to the conversation. I also spoke with my uncle today who has been a mechanic for 40 years and he also said it's probably a relay. I'll post again if the lights come back on.
Also, thanks Cleric for knowing what you're talking about!

 

I had the same problem as you bigwass42. I had a buzzing noise coming from the same area even though the car was off and even gave the ABS light, and VDC off light. I replaced the ABS Module relay and haven't the buzzing noise return since then. the part number was 47605 C9900. Hope this helps!

 

Something else you can try before disconnecting the battery next time is to just tap on the relay housing with something like the butt end of a screwdriver. Usually the vibration will temporarily "unstick" a stuck relay since there is a physical moving part inside it.

Percussive maintenance for the win. Still have to replace the failed component but it's easier then unhooking the battery every time you turn off the car

 

Jasper and Cleric, thanks a lot for the fast responses, and the great info. I'll see what happens, maybe i'll get away with not having to replace the relay.

 

Ohhh I'm SURE you will have to replace it if it's started sticking, if it doesn't disengage it puts more wear on the ABS motor and replacing THAT component is a heck of a lot more work and money than the $175 ABS relay.

EDIT: Check wrecking yards in your area for ANY:

1997-1999 Nissan Pathfinder
1998-2001 Nissan Altima
1997-2006 Infiniti Q45
1997-1999 Infiniti QX4
2003-2008 Nissan 350Z
2003-2007 Infiniti G35
or 2003 M45

They all use the same relay and a used one will be a lot less expensive.

 

You don't have to unplug the battery...there is a fuse in the fuse box that will shut off the pump. It's the green 40 fuse. Just pull the fuse wait a couple of hours and put the fuse back in. My pump will do this every couple of weeks.. i pull the fuse and then put the fuse back in the next time i go to drive.

 

This actually worked for me! For now....Still showing all lights but I at least got the pump to turn off. It's really cold here today so that may have been the issue. I will monitor this relay.

*I am aware I am Bumping an old thread*

 

The lights should reset when you restart the car. If not, you may actually have a problem

 

Using the "percussive maintenance" method is just a band aid, I would order another one ASAP because that trick only works a few times before the thing is completely locked up. Unfortunately it's also an expensive part so I would try to find a used one at a local pick-n-pull wrecking yard. That same relay was used on nearly EVERY Nissan vehicle for over 15 years so it doesn't matter if it's a pickup, a minivan, a sedan, etc. Just take a good picture of yours with the harnesses unplugged so you get the right one, it's REALLY hard to confuse it for the newer ones.

Some of them for various models have the mounting bracket shifted to the other side, they were from the earlier model Nissans but will still work just fine, it's sort of a tight fit getting those back into the G but you'll find a way if the price is right.

 

Mine done the same thing. I just disconnected it until I could afford a new one. Made no noticeable difference while driving except the annoying dash lights. Fix it with new relay never had the issue again.

 

When you actually NEED your brakes (in an emergency) they make a substantial difference. There's a reason every single manufacturer switched to anti-lock brakes and disabling one of the core safety features of your vehicle isn't a good idea.

It's a safer decision to just percussion maintenance the thing until you can get down to a scrapyard and look for any 2000-2015 nissan vehicle that you can rob the ABS relay from.

 

I must be deaf, what is this ABS test after 10mph that everyone speaks of? What does it sound like, is it loud enough to be heard over a radio and obvious cause I don't recall hearing it.

 

Roll down your window and listen for it.

 

Ok, will do. But it will have to wait, she's sleeping until what is looking like mid-April at the earlist. It has been a horrendous bad winter over here.

 

Yep I hear that, I've driven mine 3 times in the last 3 months.