I own a 2009 Maxima SV. For the past few weeks my Brake and VDC OFF light will turn on and stay on while driving. Usually it happens when I first start to drive the car uphill. It's been getting cold recently so I don't know if a cold car going uphill is an unhappy car that wants to turn its VDC off. I had my oil changed a week ago and brake fluid levels were fine, but the lights still turn on.

I've scheduled an appointment for next week since we'll be getting snow here soon, but I wanted to see if there's a way to fix it myself before I pay $99/hr to have someone hook it up to a computer. Any suggestions?

 

Most people have been saying to just top off your brake fluid.

I've had my 2010 for about a week and have experienced the same issue. I actually noticed twice it happens when going uphill.

 

Yeah, just top off your brake fluid.

 

Top it off, but also check your brake pads when you get the chance. The level is decreasing likely because of wear.

 

If it only happens uphill, it could be road conditions. Another thing it could be are the sensors themselves.

 

blinker fluid

 

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. I'll try topping off my brake fluid. Are there any brands that's recommended?

 

Is there a quick way to check the brake pads? I usually just wait until I hear the brakes screech.

 

I had this same issue - and it turned out to be a bad master cylinder. Top off the brake fluid, sure, but keep your eye on it. In my case, the brake fluid was being pulled into the vacuum booster. The master cylinder, vacuum booster and MAF sensor were replaced under warranty. If the brake fluid drops again, you should look much more closely for a leak or a bad master cylinder.

 

If the lights begin to appear first while going uphill, this is a strong hint at low brake fluid, as the sensors on the brake fluid container are near the front of the vessel.

Any DOT-3 brake fluid is fine. The key is to buy a new bottle of fluid each time, unless needing to add frequently, as brake fluid does not keep well once the container seal has been broken.

It is also important to carefully clean around the lid to the brake system fluid vessel before opening the lid, as any particle of grit or other impurity that gets into the fluid can cause problems.

The brakes on this 7th gen are very good. I have never had a smoother-working brake system. After five years, I am still on the original pads and rotors. I had to add fluid one time around 18 months ago. I am at 42K miles.

Just as advice, except in very unusual conditions (like maybe ice or snow), I would NEVER drive on a public highway with the VDC turned off. VDC is far quicker at detecting and reacting to vehicle control problems than we humans will ever be.