2003 NISSAN X-TRAIL warning light

BRC-4
[ABS]
PRECAUTIONS

[ABS]PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
Precautions for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) “AIR BAG” and “SEAT
BELT PRE-TENSIONER”
EFS004GW
The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SRS and SB section of
this Service Manual.
WARNING:

To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death
in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be per-
formed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.

Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to per-
sonal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air
Bag Module, see the SRS section.

Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or
harness connectors.
Precautions for Brake SystemEFS004GX

Recommended fluid is brake fluid “DOT 3” or “DOT 4”.

Never reuse drained brake fluid.

Be careful not to splash brake fluid on painted areas such as body. If brake fluid is splashed, wipe it off
and flush area with water immediately.

Never use mineral oils such as gasoline or kerosene to clean. They will ruin rubber parts and cause
improper operation.

Using a flare nut torque wrench, securely tighten brake tube
flare nuts.

Brake system is an important safety part. If a brake fluid leak is
detected, always disassemble the affected part. If a malfunction
is detected, replace part with a new one.

Before working, turn ignition switch OFF and disconnect har-
ness connectors of ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit)
or battery negative terminal.

When installing brake piping, be sure to check torque.
Precautions for Brake ControlEFS004FV

During ABS operation, brake pedal lightly vibrates and a mechanical noise may be heard. This is normal.

Just after starting vehicle after ignition switch ON, brake pedal may vibrate or motor operating noise may
be heard from engine compartment. This is a normal status of operation check.

Stopping distance may be longer than that of vehicles without ABS when vehicle drives on rough, gravel,
or snow-covered (fresh, deep snow) roads.

When an error is indicated by ABS or another warning lamp, collect all necessary information from cus-
tomer (what symptoms are present under what conditions) and check for simple causes before starting
diagnostic servicing. Besides electrical system inspection, check booster operation, brake fluid level, and
oil leaks.

If tyre size and type are used in an improper combination, or brake pads are not Genuine NISSAN parts,
stopping distance or steering stability may deteriorate.

If there is a radio, antenna, or antenna lead-in wire (including wiring) near control module, ABS function
may have a malfunction or error.

If aftermarket parts (car stereo, CD player, etc.) Have been installed, check for incidents such as harness
pinches, open circuits, and improper wiring.
SBR820BA

TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
BRC-33
[ABS]
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BRC

Correct and Quick DiagnosisEFS004GC
DIAGNOSIS PRECAUTIONS

Before performing the trouble diagnosis, always read the general information (GI) to confirm the general
precautions. Refer to GI-4, "
General Precautions" .

After completing service, always erase the self-diagnosis results. Refer to BRC-27, "Operation Proce-
dure" .

When inspection of the continuity or voltage between units is performed, check connector terminals for
disconnection, looseness, bend, or collapse. If any non-standard condition is detected, repair or replace
applicable part.

Intermittent errors may be caused by a poor connection in the harness, connector, or terminal. Move har-
nesses, harness connectors, or terminals by hand to make sure all connections are solid and undamaged.

If a circuit tester is used for the check, be careful not to forcibly extend any connector terminal.

While a phenomena like those shown in the following table may occur, this is not malfunction because the
system is working normally.
ON and OFF Timing for ABS Warning Lamp
×: ON –: OFF Symptom Symptom description Result
Motor operation noiseThis is the sound of the motor operating inside ABS actuator, and there
may be some low sounds while the ABS is operating.
Normal
Just after the engine starts, the motor operating noise may be heard.
This is a normal status of the system operation check.
System operation check
noiseWhen the engine is started, you may barely be able to hear a slight
thudding sound from the engine room, but this sound is made by the
system operation check and is normal.Normal
ABS operation (longer stop-
ping distance)Stopping distance may be longer for vehicles with ABS when the vehicle
drives on rough or snow-covered roads. Use lower speeds when driving
on these kinds of roads.Normal
Condition ABS warning lamp Remarks
Ignition switch OFF – —
For approximately “1” second after igni-
tion switch ON×—
After approximately “1” second after igni-
tion switch ON. (When system is normal)– Turns off 1 second after engine start
ABS error×When there is an ABS actuator and elec-
tric unit error (power or ground error)
EBD error×–

BRC-44
[ABS]
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

Symptom 4: ABS Does Not WorkEFS004HM
CAUTION:
ABS does not operate when speed is 10 km/h or lower.
1. CHECK ABS WARNING LAMP DISPLAY
Make sure that the warning lamp turns off approximately 1 second after the key switch is turned on or when
driving.
OK or NG
OK >> GO TO 3. Check wheel sensor and sensor rotor in BRC-42, "Symptom 1: ABS Works Frequently"
.
NG >> Perform self-diagnosis. Refer to BRC-27, "
SELF-DIAGNOSIS" .
Symptom 5: Pedal Vibration and ABS Operation NoiseEFS004HN
CAUTION:
Under the following conditions, ABS is activated and vibration is felt when brake pedal is lightly
depressed (just place a foot on it). However, this is normal.

When shifting gears

When driving on slippery road

During cornering at high speed

When passing over bumps or grooves (Approx. 50 mm or more)

When pulling away just after starting engine (Approx. 10 km/h or more)
1. SYMPTOM CHECK 1
Check if pedal vibration or operation sounds occur when the engine is started.
OK or NG
OK >> GO TO 2.
NG >> Perform self-diagnosis. Refer to BRC-27, "
SELF-DIAGNOSIS" .
2. SYMPTOM CHECK 2
Check symptoms when electrical component (headlamps, etc.) Switches are operated.
Do symptoms occur?
YES >> Check if there is a radio, antenna, antenna lead wire, or wiring close to the control unit. If there is,
move it farther away.
NG >> GO TO 3. Check wheel sensor and sensor rotor in BRC-42, "
Symptom 1: ABS Works Frequently"
.

PRECAUTIONS
BRC-49
[ESP/TCS/ABS]
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BRC

[ESP/TCS/ABS]PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
Precautions for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) “AIR BAG” and “SEAT
BELT PRE-TENSIONER”
EFS004H7
The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SRS and SB section of
this Service Manual.
WARNING:

To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death
in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be per-
formed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.

Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to per-
sonal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air
Bag Module, see the SRS section.

Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or
harness connectors.
Precautions for Brake SystemEFS0019O

Recommended fluid is brake fluid “DOT 3” or “DOT 4”.

Never reuse drained brake fluid.

Be careful not to splash brake fluid on painted areas; it may cause paint damage. If brake fluid is splashed
on painted areas, wash it away with water immediately.

Never use mineral oils such as gasoline or kerosene. They will ruin rubber parts of hydraulic system.

Use a flare nut wrench when removing and installing brake
tubes.

When installing brake piping, be sure to check torque.

Before working, turn the ignition switch OFF and disconnect the
connectors for the ESP actuator and control unit or the battery
negative terminal.

Burnish the brake pad contact surfaces after refinishing or
replacing drums or rotors, after replacing pads or linings, or if a
soft pedal occurs at very low mileage. Refer to BR-31, "
BRAKE
BURNISHING PROCEDURE" .
WARNING:
Clean brakes with a vacuum dust collector to minimize risk of health hazard from powder caused
by friction.
Precautions for Brake ControlEFS0019P

During the ESP/TCS/ABS operation, the brake pedal vibrates lightly and its mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal condition.

Just after starting the vehicle after ignition switch ON, the brake pedal may vibrate or the motor operating
noise may be heard from the engine compartment. This is a normal status of the operation check.

The stopping distance may be longer than that of vehicles without ABS when the vehicle drives on rough,
gravel, or snowy (fresh deep snow) road.

If a malfunction is indicated by the ABS warning lamp, or other warning lamps, collect the necessary infor-
mation from the customer (what symptoms are present under what conditions) and find out the possible
causes before starting the service. Besides the electrical system inspection, check the booster operation,
brake fluid level, and oil leaks.

If the tyre size and type are used in a improper combination, or the brake pads are not NISSAN genuine
parts, the stopping distance or steering stability may deteriorate.

If there is a radio, antenna, or antenna lead-in wire (including wiring) near the control unit, the ESP/TCS/
ABS function may have a malfunction or error.

If aftermarket parts (e.g. Car stereo equipment, CD player) have been installed, check harnesses for
pinches, open, and improper wiring.
SBR820BA

BRC-52
[ESP/TCS/ABS]
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONPFP:00000
System DiagramEFS0019X
ESP FunctionEFS0019W
1. The Electronic Stability Program is called the ESP for short.
ESP is indicated as ESP on CONSULT-II screen.
2. In addition to the ABS/TCS function, ESP detects a driver's steering operation amount and brake opera-
tion amount from steering angle sensor and pressure sensor. Using the information from yaw rate/side G
sensor and wheel sensors, ESP judges the driving condition (conditions of understeer and oversteer) to
improve the stability by controlling brake on 4 wheels and engine output.
3. During ESP operation, SLIP indicator lamp flashes to inform the driver of the operation.
CAUTION:

During ESP operation, body and the brake pedal lightly vibrate and their mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal condition.

If vehicle is rotated on a turn table, or rolled and rocked on a ship, the ABS warning lamp,
ESP OFF indicator lamp, and SLIP indicator lamp may turn on. In this case, start engine on a nor-
mal road again. If the ABS warning lamp, ESP OFF indicator lamp, and SLIP indicator lamp turn
off after the restart, it is normal.

When driving in a steep slope such as a bank, ABS warning lamp, ESP OFF indicator lamp, and
SLIP indicator lamp may turn on. In this case, start the engine on a normal road again. If ABS
warning lamp, ESP OFF indicator lamp, and SLIP indicator lamp turn off after the restart, it is nor-
mal.
TCS FunctionEFS0019V
1. With the wheel sensor signals from 4 wheels, the ESP/TCS/ABS control unit detects a wheel spin. If a
wheel spins, the control unit controls brake fluid pressure to the spinning wheel, and cuts the fuel to the
engine. It also closes the throttle valve to reduce the engine torque. Furthermore, throttle position is con-
trolled to the appropriate engine torque.
2. If a wheel spins, the TCS system works and function by applying brake fluid pressure to the spinning
wheel.
SFIA2012E

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
BRC-53
[ESP/TCS/ABS]
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BRC

3. During TCS operation, it informs a driver of system operation by flashing SLIP indicator lamp.
CAUTION:

During TCS operation, body and brake pedal lightly vibrate and the mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal condition.

Depending on road circumstances, a driver may have a sluggish feel. This is not abnormal,
because the optimum traction has the highest priority by TCS operation.

When the vehicle is passing through a road where the surface friction coefficient varies, down-
shifting or depressing the accelerator pedal fully may activate TCS temporarily.
ABS FunctionEFS0019U
1. In cases of braking suddenly or braking on slippery road (ice road), ABS functions prevent wheels from
lock, improve the stability in sudden braking, and make efficient avoidance of obstacles with steering
manipulation by detecting wheel speed and controlling brake fluid pressure.
2. EBD is integrated in ESP/TCS/ABS system.
CAUTION:

During ABS operation, brake pedal lightly vibrates and its mechanical noise may be heard. This is
a normal condition.

When starting engine, or just after starting vehicle, brake pedal may vibrate or the motor operating
noise may be heard from engine compartment. This is a normal status of the operation check.

The stopping distance may be longer than that of vehicles without ABS when vehicle drives on
rough, gravel, or snowy (fresh deep snow) road.
EBD FunctionEFS004HO

Electronic Brake Distributor is a function that detects subtle slippages between front and rear wheels dur-
ing braking, and it improves handling stability by electronically controlling the brake fluid pressure which
results in reduced rear wheel slippage.

In case of electrical system break down, the fail-safe function is activated, EBD and ABS becomes inoper-
ative, and ABS warning lamp and brake warning lamp are turned on.

Electrical System Diagnosis by CONSULT-II is available.
Fail-Safe FunctionEFS004HP
ESP/ TCS SYSTEM
In case of throttle control system trouble, ESP OFF indicator lamp and SLIP indicator lamp are turned on, and
the condition of vehicle is the same as the condition of vehicles without ESP/TCS equipment. In case of trou-
ble to the throttle control system, the ABS control continues to operate normally without ESP/TCS control.
CAUTION:
If the fail-safe function is activated, then perform the self- diagnosis for ESP/TCS/ABS control system.
ABS, EBD SYSTEM
In case of electrical malfunctions with the ABS, ABS warning lamp, ESP OFF indicator lamp and SLIP indica-
tor lamp will turn on. In case of electrical malfunctions with the EBD, brake warning lamp, ABS warning lamp,
ESP OFF indicator lamp and SLIP indicator lamp will turn on. Simultaneously, the ESP/ TCS/ABS become one
of the following conditions of the fail-safe function.
1. For ABS trouble, only the EBD is activated and the condition of vehicle is the same condition of vehicles
without ESP/TCS/ABS equipment.
2. For EBD trouble, the EBD and ABS become inoperative, and the condition of vehicle is the same as the
condition of vehicles without ESP/TCS/ABS, EBD equipment.
NOTE:
In condition 1 described above, an ABS self-diagnosis sound may be heard. That is a normal condition
because a self-diagnosis for “Ignition switch ON” and “The first starting” are being performed.

BRC-86
[ESP/TCS/ABS]
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

For Fast and Accurate DiagnosisEFS004H8
PRECAUTIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS

Before performing diagnosis, always read precautions. Refer to BRC-58, "How to Proceed With Diagno-
sis" .

If ESP/TCS/ABS control unit steering angle sensor, steering system parts or suspension system parts
have been replaced, or if alignment has been adjusted, be sure to adjust neutral position of steering angle
sensor before driving. Refer to BRC-51, "
Adjustment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position" .

After diagnosis is finished, be sure to erase memory. Refer to BRC-79, "SELF-DIAGNOSIS" .

When checking continuity and voltage between units, be sure to check for disconnection, looseness,
bend, or collapse of connector terminals. If any malfunction is found, repair or replace connector termi-
nals.

For intermittent symptoms, possible cause is malfunction in harness, harness connector, or terminals.
Move harness, harness connector, and terminals to check for poor connections.

If a circuit tester is used for the check, be careful not to forcibly extend any connector terminal.

To use CONSULT-II to perform self-diagnosis of ESP/TCS/ABS control unit active tests, or work support,
first stop work, then connect CONSULT-II and select “ABS”.

While self-diagnostic results of CONSULT-II shows malfunction, if CONSULT-II active test is performed,
an engine system error may be indicated. In this case, start engine to resume the normal screen.

ESP/TCS/ABS system electronically controls brake operation and engine output. The following symptoms
may be caused by normal operations:
Symptom Symptom description Result
Motor operation noiseThis is noise of motor inside ESP/TCS/ABS control unit. Slight noise
may occur during ESP, TCS, and ABS operation.
Normal
When the vehicle speed goes over 20 km/h (12.5 MPH), motor and
valves operating noise may be heard. It happens only once after IGN
(ignition) is ON. This is a normal status of the system operation check.
System operation check
noiseWhen engine starts, slight “click” noise may be heard from engine room.
This is normal and is part of system operation check.Normal
ESP/TCS operation
(SLIP indicator lamp blink-
ing)TCS may activate momentarily if wheel speed changes when driving
over location where friction coefficient varies, when up/downshifting, or
when fully depressing accelerator pedal.
Normal
Cancel the ESP/TCS
function for the
inspection on a chas-
sis dynamometer. For inspection of speedometer or other instruments, press ESP OFF
SW to turn ESP/TCS function off.
When accelerator pedal is depressed on a chassis dynamometer (fixed
front-wheel type), vehicle speed will not increase. This is not normal. It is
result of TCS being activated by stationary front wheels. Warning lamp
may also illuminate to indicate “sensor system error”. This is also nor-
mal, and is the result of the stationary front wheels being detected. To be
certain, restart engine, and drive vehicle at 30 km/h (19 MPH) or more.
Make sure warning lamp does not illuminate.
ABS operation (Longer stop-
ping distance)On roads with low friction coefficients, such as snowy roads or gravel
roads, vehicles with ABS may require a longer stopping distance. There-
fore, when driving on such roads, avoid overconfidence and keep speed
sufficiently low.Normal
Insufficient feeling of accel-
erationDepending on road conditions, driver may feel that feeling of accelera-
tion is insufficient. This is because traction control, which controls
engine and brakes to achieve optimal traction, has the highest priority
(for safety). As a result, there may be times when acceleration is slightly
less than usual for the same accelerator pedal operation.Normal

BRC-106
[ESP/TCS/ABS]
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

2. SELF-DIAGNOSIS RESULT CHECK 2
Turn ignition switch OFF, and ON to erase the self-diagnosis results. And perform the ESP/TCS/ABS control
unit self-diagnosis again.
Is the same self-diagnosis item indicated again?
YES >> After replacing spiral cable (with the steering angle sensor), perform the neutral position adjust-
ment. Then conduct the self-diagnosis again.
NO >> Inspection End
Inspection 14 Brake Fluid Level of Reservoir Tank, Communication Circuit
between ESP/TCS/ABS Control Unit and Brake Fluid Level Warning Switch
EFS001AQ
Inspection procedure
1. SELF-DIAGNOSIS RESULT CHECK 1
Check the self-diagnosis results.
Does the brake warning light turn on?
YES >> Check the pad for wear. Check the brake fluid for leakage.
NO >> GO TO 2.
2. SELF-DIAGNOSIS RESULT CHECK 2
1. Disconnect connectors for the brake fluid level warning switch and ESP/TCS/ABS control unit.
2. Securely connect connectors. Perform the ESP/TCS/ABS control unit self-diagnosis again.
Is the same self-diagnosis item indicated again?
YES >> GO TO 3.
NO >> Poor connection of connector. Repair or replace the poorly connected connector.
3. CIRCUIT CHECK BETWEEN BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WARNING SWITCH AND ESP/TCS/ABS CON-
TROL UNIT
1. Disconnect connectors for brake fluid level warning switch and
ESP/TCS/ABS control unit.
2. Check for the continuity between the brake fluid level warning switch and the ESP/TCS/ABS control unit.
Is inspection result OK?
YES >> Perform the ESP/TCS/ABS control unit self-diagnosis again.
NO >> Repair or replace the disconnected harness.
Self-diagnosis results
BR FLUID LEVER LOW
SFIA2196E
ESP/TCS/ABS control unit
(harness connector E122)Brake fluid level warning switch
(harness connector E19)Continuity
40 (Y/B) 1 (Y/B) Yes