2009 Nissan Rogue Brakes

[deputyjmark]

Hello! I'm new to the forums, so please be patient. Recently I had an issue with my 09 Nissan Rogue. I went to put my car in gear and the shifter seemed to be locked. I read the manual and could not find out the problem. I then saw on the internet about the hole next to the shifter. I placed a screwdriver into the slot and the car went into gear. I drove it this way for a few days until one day at work the car would not move correctly. Seemed it was dragging. I got home finally and checked the internet. I found out about the brake light switch. I replaced the switch and the shifter started working correctly. I then noticed that when I put the car in drive, it felt as if the brakes were engaged. I pulled forward and it seemed to be better. Idrove around the block. On the way back I could see my rpms were at 4000-4500, but the car would only do 40. When I got parked in the driveway, I could smell smoke. I looked at the front wheels and could see a small amount of smoke coming out around the wheel. I cannot understand what I did to cause the new issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, J

[centralcoaster33]

Welcome to NICO Club!

Do you get a check engine light? Can you get an OBD2 scanner and check for codes? That would be a great starting point. Yes, something could be messed up with the park/ neutral switch or the reverse position switch or the shift lock system. All are parts of the gear selector or located just next to it in the center console area.

Check for codes. Review the FSM. Those are your best bets.

FSM chapters (it's all links to the PDFs), starts with the FWD (foreward and table of contents) then look at the TM and EC chapters.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Rogue/2009/

Please let us know how it goes. There's another guy with CVT and he has issues with gear selection and I think it's related to the same components in the gear selector area.

[deputyjmark]

I do not have a check engine light. I hooked up the scanner anyway, and it showed no codes. I don't know what would cause the brakes to engage and not release because of a brake light switch. I wish there was a way to test the brake light light switch.

[Rogue One]

Topic moved to the Rogue forum.

If the brakes are locking up as the vehicle sits, then you typically either have an issue with the drum brake shoes catching on the backing plate or if all four of the brakes are locking up then you more than likely have a bad master cylinder.

However, your problem may be related to the original issue you mentioned. The solution to that was not to just stick something in the little hole, but to fix it as outlined in this write up that was linked in this thread from the main Rogue Forum page: 08-13 ROGUE DIY REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, FAQ & INFO, TIPS, etc

Please read through this thread (sorry, the pictures have gone MIA): Shifter Stuck In PARK Fix

[deputyjmark]

I guess I am not understanding this. The original problem was it being locked in park. I did the override so that I could drive the car. The other issues, the traction light and the slow movement from a stop, happened soon after. This is what led me to the brake light switch. Once I replaced the switch, the shifter started working correctly. I will try the zip tie on the solenoid, but don't understand. Thank you though, J

[centralcoaster33]

Sorry, maybe I was off. There's more than a brake light switch in the gear selection control assembly. There's several switches. So, with it all be controlled by switches and computers, my thinking was you got part of it to recognize it's in gear and to drive, but the other part, that would release brakes was not working and therefor you're driving around with your 'e-brake' electronically 'on' due to a problem with those switches. Suspecting a switch/ computer issue, I wondered if there are any codes. That was my line of thinking. Anyway, the physical brake components could be damaged and why it was locked in park are both issues that might be worth investigating as Rogue One has mentioned.

[JeffLinton]

You may have a front brake caliper that is not releasing properly ie the front brakes are dragging. You could check this by jacking the front side of car up and seeing if the tire will spin freely in Neutral. Make sure to block the rear wheels so the car does not roll on you.

[deputyjmark]

I checked the front drivers side and the tire would not turn. I removed the tire and loosened the bleeder valve and brake fluid shot out. I then pried the piston back until the wheel would turn. I then closed the bleeded valve and pumped the brake a couple of times. Same problem. The wheel will not turn. I am trying to get the caliper off, but the bolt will not budge. Are they reverse threads? I hope I get lucky and only the drivers side is bad. Doubt it though. J

[deputyjmark]

OK!!! Got the front drivers side caliper changed and drove the car around the block. All seemed good. Went out yesterday morning and attempted to drive it. All fours wheels seemed to be locked. Car would barely move in drive, and would not move in reverse. I jacked the car up and bled off the drivers front side. Tire turned as supposed to. Checked the passenger side front and the tire moved as supposed to. Drove the car around the block and no issues detected. Let it set for a few hours and checked to see if there were any issues. None detected. I am not sure how the brakes locked up over night with the car not running? I am wondering if there is something else I should check before going on any long distance road trip? Thanks, J

[deputyjmark]

Well I took the care out this morning onto the highway. It did not take long until the car began to drag, as if the brakes were applied. I got back home and could smell the burn on the wheels. Guess I had better loosen the wallet and get it towed to a shop.

[bill875]

Any update on your situation yet?

[deputyjmark]

Ok, finally some good news. I took my car to the Nissan dealership. I was told that anytime you change out a brake light switch, the computer will need to be reflashed or rebooted on the car. Two different mechanics told me this. They also said it would have to be taken to Nissan, since they are the only ones that have the program to reboot. I left the car with Nissan and the next day they called and said they had readjusted the brake light switch and the brakes were no longer grabbing. I have drove it for 3 days now at low speed and high speed and all is good. The dealership said they did not put it on the computer, so I don't know about the reboot. Anyway, thank you for the advice I received from all!!!

[darylzero]

Hi deputymark, what brake light switch did you replace exactly? Where was it located and do you have the part #?