2005 VDC OFF & SLIP Indicator Lights ON

[xterracanoer]

:o I purchased my Xterra in 12/2005. Since then the VDC OFF & SLIP Indicator lights have came on at startup and stayed ON until reset by procedure in manual. I took it back to the dealer after the 2nd time, they reset the module/sensor. Not even a week later and it happened again, this time the reset procedure didn't work until the next day. Am taking it back to dealer. But a) why does this keep happening? and b) what 'normally' triggers the VDC & SLIP to come on?

Thanks

[NissanTech]

Most likely there is a problem in the system. The dealer should have fix it the fist time, instead they just reset it. Have the dealer check again, but make sure you get the reading from the scanner, the control unit should have a code store in it.

[xterracanoer]

Yes, I agree, they should have replaced the 'steering angle sensor' the first time I took it it. I have an appt. next week, and they will replace the sensor. I will try to get the code prior to them replacing it.

Thanks

[jb_adams]

Welcome to the forum xterracanoer!! :)

[xterracanoer]

:P I just picked up my 2005 SE from the dealer. They replaced the "Steering Angle Sensor Assy", they said they had extra "phone" tech support on this. They assured me that this "FIX" was the fixes of all fixes, we'll see. Other than this minor "gliche", I love my X.

[jb_adams]

Glad they fixed your ride and got it working again. Thanks for the update!

[MJCXTERRA]

What was the cost to replace the steering angle sensor assy.

[MJCXTERRA]

I had the same issue but the VDC and SLIP light went off but my Service engine soon is still on. Any suggestions

[mpe235]

Originally Posted by MJCXTERRA

I had the same issue but the VDC and SLIP light went off but my Service engine soon is still on. Any suggestions

If your battery was disconnected or went dead for any reason you have to reset the steering angle sensor.

[tandacable]

how do i reset the steering angle sensor?

[xterratrash]

The VDC and SLIP lights came on and stayed on in my 08 Xterra this past February, I took it right to the dealership and they reset the steering angle using the computer plug in under the dash board, took about 10 seconds, under warranty so no charge.

Just one of a bucket full of problems I have had in my first 10000 miles of ownership, not looking forward to the future with this hunk of junk...

[np250]

My 08 Xterra, with 20k miles, has had the steering angle sensor replaced twice, under warranty, by my dealer trying to address this recurring 'vdc off' and 'slip' indicator issue. The last time was Monday last week and the lights came back on Thursday. It is booked back in on Monday. At least I'm getting quick service! I reset the lights using the procedure in the manual, but obviously I want it fixed correctly. Surely Nissan must have some solution to what appears to be a fairly common problem spanning multiple platforms. So far, I'm not too impressed with their results.

[jkcpnissan]

i have the same problem with my 05 pathfinder. I installed new battery and the vdc and slip light comes on every start and stays on. The manual states there is a reset option but unable to find this, anyone have info on this? Also to the service engine soon post, I experienced this also, my problem was the fuel cap not on tight enough, weird but after tightening the cap the light went off.

[np250]

The reset procedure in my manual says to start the vehicle with the wheels straight, then drive in a straight line, not exceeding 10mph. It works and resets the lights within 100ft.
That said my Xterra has now had the steering angle sensor replaced for a third time. The vdc/slip lights came back on about a week later. Dealer says they are unsure what to do next???
I Know what I will do next.
Buy a Toyota.

[jkcpnissan]

thanks, I keep finding threads to this angle sensor on here, not good.

[XNYX]

Now I have this problem, tried the fix in the manual but it did nothing. What's the latest on this, have the dealers found the final fix??

[np250]

We are going back to the dealer this week. I'll post updates. They still say thay have no factory supported solution(???).
When the vdc/slip lights are on, the system is disabled, regardless of pushing the vdc button. Not good for the snow season.
Becoming very fustrated with Nissan. The dealership service has been OK, but to have this issue unresolved after multiple visits shows very very poor Nissan corporate customer service.
This will be my last Nissan product purchase.

[XNYX]

If it is a safety issue, especially if the vehicle is under warranty, you have a lot of leverage. I have a friend that had a similar issue with a Chevy truck, he ended up calling GM and telling them the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that they should come and tow it to a dealership. He did not want it back until it was fixed because it was not safe for his family to use it. They fought him and went to arbitration, he ended up with a new vehicle that had more options and cost him no extra money. I personally will not use the vehicle if this problem disables ANY safety system. Get a loaner while it's in the shop and refuse to take it back unless it's fixed!

[np250]

IMO, this is absolutely a safety issue, and luckily, mine is still under warranty. I will talk with them about it this week, and post back the response.
Rear wheel drive, 270hp and snowy roads can be interesting. When the VDC is working it prevents most 2WD slides perfectly, actually straightening itself out within a few seconds. With it off, the Xterra will swap ends easily, with very little throttle input and at reasonable speeds for the conditions. I know first hand. I live in Canada in an area where we have snow on the ground for a few months of the year, and have 30+ yrs experience winter driving. Nissan needs to address this before someone gets hurt.

[XNYX]

Has anyone with this problem had the slip light go out and the VDC off light stay on? I worked on the fuse box yesterday so I disconnected the + battery cable, when I was finished the slip light was not on any more, only the VDC off. Might be temporary, just have not read any posts where only the VDC light was on without the slip being on too.