[Justin W]

Hi there everyone!!

I was wondering if anyone could help me with some questions I have about my Xterra? I just bought it 2 weeks ago and love it! But the only downside is that there is one issue with it. I have some lights on my dash. They aren't on all the time, but when they light up it's all 3 of them at the same time. They are the ABS, VDC OFF, and SLIP light. What normally happens is after a bit of driving with them NOT on I'll turn a corner at very slow speeds, and the SLIP light will flash, I will feel the truck slow even more and sometimes hear a "grinding" sound coming from the left front area which I think is the ABS kicking in. Then after a few more turns, that's when all 3 of the lights come on.

I have been doing some research and see that most people say that it's something to do with ABS thinking that I am losing control and kicking in but I haven't seen many people go into detail as to why it's doing that or what to do to fix this issue. Does it mean I'll have to replace a ton of ABS related parts or is it something as simple as a misinformed sensor? I even thought maybe it had something to do with my tires. Because right now I have BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A on, sized LT265/75R16 123/120R and according to some websites they aren't the right size for my Xterra but some other sites say it's okay. Even the BFGoodrich site says they shouldn't fit. Could that possibly be part of the issue? Could it be that my tires are the wrong size and confusing the sensors??

I would greatly appreciate any assistance. This is my first SUV so I want to learn about it and try my best to work on it myself and not have to rely on pricey mechanics as I have in the past!

Again, thank you for any advice you have & take care!

Justin

UPDATE ON THE ISSUE!! (NOV/20/2020)

I had my Xterra scanned at my local Nissan dealer and it turns out the right front wheel bearing and wheel speed senor are toast! According to the dealership they say, "Disconnected speed harness and found terminals have corroded and broken off from speed sensor side and the vehicle harness side. Will require the front wheel bearing assembly to be replaced and the vehicle harness repaired." It will cost about $671.20 CAD before taxes. After taxes: $760.00 CAD (where I live we get our butts kicked with taxes lol)

 

[Breck_Xterra]

Im guessing you have a bad wheel speed sensor that acts up when it warms up. just a guess

 

[early 2010]

If you don't want to throw parts at it guessing what is the problem, get the codes read. Not any free parts store reader will do. You need one that does Nissan ABS.

Even with the lights off there will be stored "past" codes.

Or you can shot gun it, blast part after part at it until you accidently replace the correct one.

 

[JTD]

Tire size isn't the issue--that's a pretty common size on these trucks. First step would be to check all the connections between the ABS sensor and vehicle side plug. Sometimes these get loose or aren't reconnected fully if the previous owner did work on them. Also check that the sensor wire has enough slack that when you're turning it doesn't pull on anything.

I've had issues in the past where those three lights come on during heavy rain. Not sure if that was a sensor issue, but IIRC having contaminated rear diff fluid can throw some error codes too because of the locker wiring. If you don't know when the last time that was changed, it doesn't hurt to swap it for fresh stuff.

 

[Mar10]

ABS sensor or wire.

Follow the other’s above advice. Get the codes read and inspect wheel sensors and related wiring to start.

 

[Justin W]

Tire size isn't the issue--that's a pretty common size on these trucks. First step would be to check all the connections between the ABS sensor and vehicle side plug. Sometimes these get loose or aren't reconnected fully if the previous owner did work on them. Also check that the sensor wire has enough slack that when you're turning it doesn't pull on anything.

I've had issues in the past where those three lights come on during heavy rain. Not sure if that was a sensor issue, but IIRC having contaminated rear diff fluid can throw some error codes too because of the locker wiring. If you don't know when the last time that was changed, it doesn't hurt to swap it for fresh stuff.

Thanks a bunch, man! I'll take all of that into consideration! The lights first came on after I gave my XTerra a car wash. Like instantly once I left the wash, BAM! they all turned on. I don't know if maybe the sprayers could have dislodged something that was close to being dislodged but I just thought it was odd that they came on right after the wash. I have an appointment at my local Nissan dealership to have them use their reader because I don't personally own one. But again, I appreciate your advice. I'll take any help I can get!!

Thanks & take care!

Justin

 

[satown210]

Make sure to come back and let people know what you find.