3 Lights on - VDC OFF, SLIP, BRAKE - 2005 Armada SE - Nissan Armada Forum: Armada & Infiniti QX56 Forums

VB Armada · #1 07-13-2011, 05:28 PM

2005 Armada SE: Had ECM replaced by dealer last week due to recall. I now have 3 lights coming on and staying on together- VDC OFF, SLIP, BRAKE. Anyone experienced this or know what to do about it? I have an appointment with the dealer again tomorrow but would like to know what to expect... Vehicle drives fine otherwise and there are no noticeable issues other than the lights. Thanks!

**Pops** · #2 07-13-2011, 05:40 PM

That means your brake fluid is low... It usually only happens when it's time to change your brake pads because the existing ones are thin... When you put on new pads, they're thick again so the fluid gets pushed back up into the resevoir making it full again.

**BlakSpyda** · #3 07-13-2011, 08:25 PM

Welcome to CA VB Armada!

spta97 · #4 07-13-2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pops

That means your brake fluid is low... It usually only happens when it's time to change your brake pads because the existing ones are thin... When you put on new pads, they're thick again so the fluid gets pushed back up into the resevoir making it full again.

Pops - I would agree if it was just the brake light but couldn't the others indicate it is an anti lock wheel sensor?

**Pops** · #5 07-13-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spta97

Pops - I would agree if it was just the brake light but couldn't the others indicate it is an anti lock wheel sensor?

All 3. It's in the owner manual.

VB Armada · #6 07-14-2011, 01:43 PM

Thanks for the input. Pops, I don't see anything in the owners manual regarding all 3 of the lights being on at the same time... Can you be sure of this?

VB Armada · #7 07-14-2011, 02:02 PM

Also, looking forward to chatting with you guys in the future on other topics. I do a lot of beach driving in NC and will look for advice on lifts, suspension, tires, etc. It handles great on the beach, but in soft sand and deep ruts the skid plate hits... I would eventually like to do some mods as it is 100% stock at this point.

**Pops** · #8 07-14-2011, 04:47 PM

Alright, so it must be in the FSM instead...

But the Owner Manual says:

Brake warning light

This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied,
and also warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

1BadC10 · #9 07-15-2011, 01:22 PM

LOL... This problem has arised earlier this year. Nissan (local dealer) told me they couldn't duplicate the issue, and they had no information on troubleshooting given the symptom. I have yet to check for any TSBs or look through the FSM (gonna read later today). The OP's description seems as if it could be what I see on my '07 SE.

Here's when I see something...

1. Crank up the engine (early morning)
2. Put in drive
3. Drive out of subdivision

Now, under hard acceleration (WOT), the brake light will initially come on. It will typically stay on if at 100% throttle through 1st gear & into 2nd. If at WOT long enough (usually 5 seconds or more), the VDC OFF & SLIP lights will illuminate. At that point, all three lights will remain lit until power is cycled to the vehicle. If only the brake light is lit, and throttle position is lowered from hard acceleration, the brake light will usually go away.

With that said, Pops, your theory makes sense. I say makes sense because I have not investigated yet to prove/disprove it. But, I agree with your assessment.

VB_Armada... not sure if this fits your scenario, but let us know. BTW, WELCOME!!!

spta97 · #10 07-15-2011, 01:41 PM

Bad - what you are describing sounds like brake fluid level. When you are at WOT the level will shift (think of a cup of water).

Pop the hood and check. If it is low find out the reason rather than just adding more brake fluid. It is either a leak or more likely your pads are low. If you just add more fluid it will mask the problem then gush all over when you compress the caliper piston when you do change the pads.