Non-primitive having an issue with dashboard warning lights

[Ralph Wiggum]

For the past two days, I've had a dashboard warning light repeatedly come on and also ding loudly.  For some reason, my '04 Maxima thinks that the emergency brake is on.  Did I mention that it also DINGS LOUDLY!!!!!!!

The car is no longer under warranty, and I really dread trying to take it somewhere to have it checked.  I haven't even used the emergency brake since I've owned the car, so I'm very confused as to why it is setting off bells and whistles.

Any clue, anyone, Bueller????

[rich_t]

What makes you think that the car thinks it is a emergency brake alarm?  What actual dashboard light are you getting?

How many miles are on the car?

[Chris_]

For the past two days, I've had a dashboard warning light repeatedly come on and also ding loudly.  For some reason, my '04 Maxima thinks that the emergency brake is on.  Did I mention that it also DINGS LOUDLY!!!!!!!

The car is no longer under warranty, and I really dread trying to take it somewhere to have it checked.  I haven't even used the emergency brake since I've owned the car, so I'm very confused as to why it is setting off bells and whistles.

Any clue, anyone, Bueller????

Is your brake fluid low? 

[Ralph Wiggum]

What makes you think that the car thinks it is a emergency brake alarm?  What actual dashboard light are you getting?

How many miles are on the car?

Because the light corresponds with the emergency brake being on (according to the manual).  I've got 80,000 miles.

[Ralph Wiggum]

For the past two days, I've had a dashboard warning light repeatedly come on and also ding loudly.  For some reason, my '04 Maxima thinks that the emergency brake is on.  Did I mention that it also DINGS LOUDLY!!!!!!!

The car is no longer under warranty, and I really dread trying to take it somewhere to have it checked.  I haven't even used the emergency brake since I've owned the car, so I'm very confused as to why it is setting off bells and whistles.

Any clue, anyone, Bueller????

Is your brake fluid low? 

That would be turning signal fluid, silly!

[rich_t]

What makes you think that the car thinks it is a emergency brake alarm?  What actual dashboard light are you getting?

How many miles are on the car?

Because the light corresponds with the emergency brake being on (according to the manual).  I've got 80,000 miles.

Some cars use a "catch all" light for  brakes in general.  That was why I asked.

[Ralph Wiggum]

What makes you think that the car thinks it is a emergency brake alarm?  What actual dashboard light are you getting?

How many miles are on the car?

Because the light corresponds with the emergency brake being on (according to the manual).  I've got 80,000 miles.

Some cars use a "catch all" light for  brakes in general.  That was why I asked.

No problemo, I was surprised when I looked it up to see what warning light was.

[Chris_]

For the past two days, I've had a dashboard warning light repeatedly come on and also ding loudly.  For some reason, my '04 Maxima thinks that the emergency brake is on.  Did I mention that it also DINGS LOUDLY!!!!!!!

The car is no longer under warranty, and I really dread trying to take it somewhere to have it checked.  I haven't even used the emergency brake since I've owned the car, so I'm very confused as to why it is setting off bells and whistles.

Any clue, anyone, Bueller????

Is your brake fluid low? 

That would be turning signal fluid, silly!

 

Actually the strib had an article that looks interesting

http://www.startribune.com/cars/11213911.html

[rich_t]

What makes you think that the car thinks it is a emergency brake alarm?  What actual dashboard light are you getting?

How many miles are on the car?

Because the light corresponds with the emergency brake being on (according to the manual).  I've got 80,000 miles.

Some cars use a "catch all" light for  brakes in general.  That was why I asked.

No problemo, I was surprised when I looked it up to see what warning light was.

I checked for an on-line version of OM of a 04 Maxima.

I found http://www.nissanextendedwarranty.com/owners-manual/nissan/2004-Nissan-Maxima.pdf

I don't see the specific mention of e-brake in the online manual.  I was hoping I could find something more useful for you.

[Ralph Wiggum]

What makes you think that the car thinks it is a emergency brake alarm?  What actual dashboard light are you getting?

How many miles are on the car?

Because the light corresponds with the emergency brake being on (according to the manual).  I've got 80,000 miles.

Some cars use a "catch all" light for  brakes in general.  That was why I asked.

No problemo, I was surprised when I looked it up to see what warning light was.

I checked for an on-line version of OM of a 04 Maxima.

I found http://www.nissanextendedwarranty.com/owners-manual/nissan/2004-Nissan-Maxima.pdf

I don't see the specific mention of e-brake in the online manual.  I was hoping I could find something more useful for you.

Thanks, I didn't find much in my manual either.  Perhaps the morning will bring some further assistance from other knowledgeable automotive minds.

[RobJohnson]

It would be a shot in the dark, but have you tried to set and release the e-brake?

Even if it just was bumped one tiny click, the warning lamp might of been set off...

[Ralph Wiggum]

It would be a shot in the dark, but have you tried to set and release the e-brake?

Even if it just was bumped one tiny click, the warning lamp might of been set off...

I asked my dad about that this afternoon, and he suggested that I try putting the e-brake on and then off again a couple of times.  Didn't work.

[Chris_]

Does it feel like the e-brake is on when you drive?

ACC had a problem with her seat belt indicator not turning off.  I dont' know if she ever got that fixed, but I have heard the easiest way to reset one of those sensors is to disconnect the battery for a few minutes.

[RobJohnson]

It would be a shot in the dark, but have you tried to set and release the e-brake?

Even if it just was bumped one tiny click, the warning lamp might of been set off...

I asked my dad about that this afternoon, and he suggested that I try putting the e-brake on and then off again a couple of times.  Didn't work.

Rats....

It could be something as simple as a bad contact switch. You could live with the light, but not the noise.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Does it feel like the e-brake is on when you drive?

ACC had a problem with her seat belt indicator not turning off.  I dont' know if she ever got that fixed, but I have heard the easiest way to reset one of those sensors is to disconnect the battery for a few minutes.

No, the car drives fine.  Disconnecting the battery could be a do-able solution.  That I can actually do.  Of course, I'll probably F something else up in the process.

[RobJohnson]

Here we go Ralph....I should of just looked smart and put all this in my own words....

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=561307&highlight=parking+brake

[RobJohnson]

Don't forget to double check the Flux Capacitor.

[Randy]

That forum is full of morons Rob.

They are right that its brake wear. They are also right that it's low on fluid.

Now for the simple mind blower, It's low on fluid because the brakes are worn.

I HATED quickie lube places who's answer to a lowered fluid level was to throw some more fluid in the master cylinder every oil change. The result for that is fluid spewing all over everything under the hood when you reset the pistons in the calipers or drums when doing the brake job. It makes a huge mess and makes the job harder fighting the overfill before it spews.

There is a reason for the min/max lines on the plastic master cylinders. It's how you know the brakes need work. The magic sensor the morons are looking for is a simple fluid lever float that tells you the brakes are worn (or leaking, but with 80 they're worn) in the master.

[RobJohnson]

That forum is full of morons Rob.

They are right that its brake wear. They are also right that it's low on fluid.

Now for the simple mind blower, It's low on fluid because the brakes are worn.

I HATED quickie lube places who's answer to a lowered fluid level was to throw some more fluid in the master cylinder every oil change. The result for that is fluid spewing all over everything under the hood when you reset the pistons in the calipers or drums when doing the brake job. It makes a huge mess and makes the job harder fighting the overfill before it spews.

There is a reason for the min/max lines on the plastic master cylinders. It's how you know the brakes need work. The magic sensor the morons are looking for is a simple fluid lever float that tells you the brakes are worn (or leaking, but with 80 they're worn) in the master.

Oh yeah, just like alot of forums....there is a nugget of good stuff with alot of jibberish....but it did open my eyes that the parking brake alarm could be related to low fluid...which could be due to worn out brakes..

Most of my experience is GM related....so was unsure of the Nissan issue...so just trying to help Ralph find some ideas based on his complaint.

[Ralph Wiggum]

My damn car is still beeping, people!!!

[franksolich]

My damn car is still beeping, people!!!

Maybe ear plugs?

I have been told on occasion--not with the current vehicle, but with vehicles I've had in the past--that there's some sort of annoying noise, but I never heard it myself.

But seriously, folks, let's try to help a friend out here.

[rich_t]

My damn car is still beeping, people!!!

You might just have to bite the bullet and take it to a repair shop.

I know, I know...  I hate that too.

[Ralph Wiggum]

My damn car is still beeping, people!!!

You might just have to bite the bullet and take it to a repair shop.

I know, I know...  I hate that too.

Yeah, I know.  I'm just dreading the made up stuff they'll also discover.

And yes, Frank, I've considered earplugs.  I'm just cranking the stereo to drown it out for the time being.

[morningAngel]

First, find the wire that is connecting to the awful dinging noise...cut it in half
then for the light part:  chew two sticks of gum (I prefer juicy fruit but whatever your preference) until a nice gooey blob and stick over warning light

works every time

or..did you do the battery disconnect trick?
if that don't work..sorry, repair shop time...

[rich_t]

My damn car is still beeping, people!!!

You might just have to bite the bullet and take it to a repair shop.

I know, I know...  I hate that too.

Yeah, I know.  I'm just dreading the made up stuff they'll also discover.

Don't take it to a dealer shop.  Just take it to your local wrench turner.