New member and need help!
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Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
New member and need help!
I got a '09 maxima sv. The car is amazing and I love the way it drives. Recently my traction lights have been turning on mean while I'm driving. I have no idea why they turned on can someone help me.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
Are you talking about the 'VDC OFF' light coming on irregularly? If so, and you take no action, I suspect that, within a few weeks, there will be an additional light on your dash - the 'BRAKE' problem light.
For some reason, there seems to be two sensors checking the brake fluid reservoir (located against the firewall in the engine compartment just in front of the driver), and when the brake fluid gets low, the VDC OFF (vehicle direction control) light sensor can be triggered weeks before the brake problem light ever activates.
I suspect that if you check your brake fluid reservoir, the fluid level will be down to the 'ADD' mark. Wipe the dirt and grime off the lid and reservoir neck before you open the reservoir, as any particles of grit or dirt that may get into the braking fluid system can cause problems.
Add enough DOT-3 type fluid (the most common kind, available at all auto parts stores, and even most convenience stores) to bring the fluid level to the 'FULL' mark, and your warning light should immediately disappear. You will need a small funnel to get the fluid in without spilling any, which is caustic.
Once the seal is opened, DOT-3 fluid does not keep well. Buy a new small can every time you need to add fluid to your system. This should not be very often. I have only needed to add fluid one time to my '09, and the can of fluid at my local Chevron convenience store cost $2.79. Most stores probably charge a little more.
For some reason, there seems to be two sensors checking the brake fluid reservoir (located against the firewall in the engine compartment just in front of the driver), and when the brake fluid gets low, the VDC OFF (vehicle direction control) light sensor can be triggered weeks before the brake problem light ever activates.
I suspect that if you check your brake fluid reservoir, the fluid level will be down to the 'ADD' mark. Wipe the dirt and grime off the lid and reservoir neck before you open the reservoir, as any particles of grit or dirt that may get into the braking fluid system can cause problems.
Add enough DOT-3 type fluid (the most common kind, available at all auto parts stores, and even most convenience stores) to bring the fluid level to the 'FULL' mark, and your warning light should immediately disappear. You will need a small funnel to get the fluid in without spilling any, which is caustic.
Once the seal is opened, DOT-3 fluid does not keep well. Buy a new small can every time you need to add fluid to your system. This should not be very often. I have only needed to add fluid one time to my '09, and the can of fluid at my local Chevron convenience store cost $2.79. Most stores probably charge a little more.
Last edited by lightonthehill; Oct 8, 2012 at 02:59 AM.
+1 This exact problem happened on my '09, took it in to the dealer and they just topped off the fluid reservoir and cleared the codes.
Are you talking about the 'VDC OFF' light coming on irregularly? If so, and you take no action, I suspect that, within a few weeks, there will be an additional light on your dash - the 'BRAKE' problem light.
For some reason, there seems to be two sensors checking the brake fluid reservoir (located against the firewall in the engine compartment just in front of the driver), and when the brake fluid gets low, the VDC OFF (vehicle direction control) light sensor can be triggered weeks before the brake problem light ever activates.
I suspect that if you check your brake fluid reservoir, the fluid level will be down to the 'ADD' mark. Wipe the dirt and grime off the lid and reservoir neck before you open the reservoir, as any particles of grit or dirt that may get into the braking fluid system can cause problems.
Add enough DOT-3 type fluid (the most common kind, available at all auto parts stores, and even most convenience stores) to bring the fluid level to the 'FULL' mark, and your warning light should immediately disappear. You will need a small funnel to get the fluid in without spilling any, which is caustic.
Once the seal is opened, DOT-3 fluid does not keep well. Buy a new small can every time you need to add fluid to your system. This should not be very often. I have only needed to add fluid one time to my '09, and the can of fluid at my local Chevron convenience store cost $2.79. Most stores probably charge a little more.
For some reason, there seems to be two sensors checking the brake fluid reservoir (located against the firewall in the engine compartment just in front of the driver), and when the brake fluid gets low, the VDC OFF (vehicle direction control) light sensor can be triggered weeks before the brake problem light ever activates.
I suspect that if you check your brake fluid reservoir, the fluid level will be down to the 'ADD' mark. Wipe the dirt and grime off the lid and reservoir neck before you open the reservoir, as any particles of grit or dirt that may get into the braking fluid system can cause problems.
Add enough DOT-3 type fluid (the most common kind, available at all auto parts stores, and even most convenience stores) to bring the fluid level to the 'FULL' mark, and your warning light should immediately disappear. You will need a small funnel to get the fluid in without spilling any, which is caustic.
Once the seal is opened, DOT-3 fluid does not keep well. Buy a new small can every time you need to add fluid to your system. This should not be very often. I have only needed to add fluid one time to my '09, and the can of fluid at my local Chevron convenience store cost $2.79. Most stores probably charge a little more.
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