Help 4 new lights have turned on...

[Daniel23]

I recently bought a 06 Infiniti M45, which was when I discovered this awesome forum. I replaced all 4 rotors and brake pads. However, I also had to replace the lovely Rack & Pinion. Once it was completed, my clean dashboard wasn't so clean anymore. 4 New lights turned on which are RAS, VDC OFF, SLIP, & AFS OFF. Also when I shifted to reverse, the camera guidelines were completely out of calibration, but the steering wheel was aligned with the tires; which is a bit mysterious. I checked the self-diagnosis and the connection is good. I checked again today and the guidelines aren't moving with the steering wheel. However, I had unplugged the battery to see if it would do anything and the guidelines had fixed to the original position, but then went back how they were sifted all the way to the right. If anyone has any insight in how to fix this, could you please let me know.

P.S. To fix the camera guideline issue, I believe the Steering Column that is connected at the top of the Rack & Pinion wasn't properly aligned, which is what I think made it get completely out of calibration. That's the only possible thing that I can think of that had happened, but I'm not too sure.

[cruzad3r]

did you do a brake fluid flush? Check your fluid reservoir and add more fluid if it's low.

[EdBwoy]

I think your issue started with the steering shaft not being aligned to the rack and pinion. It's fixable, but depends on how far off it was and how much had to be altered to make the wheel turn an equal number lock-to-lock as much as it matches the wheels at center.

Go to Infiniti or Nissan (or Firestone, if yours has the ability to) and ask for a full alignment where the steering wheel and especially steering angle sensor are all matched.

[Daniel23]

Cruzad3r- I didn’t perform a brake fluid flush, but it doesn’t seem too difficult to do so either. I did check the brake fluid resovior and it has just a bit over the max line.

[Daniel23]

EdBwoy- That’s why I was assuming caused the problem. My proposed solution was to pry open the steering fluid shaft that sits on top of the rack and pinion and turn it in order to align it with the camera guidelines. Regardless the car does need an alignment which was planned after a new sets of tires are in. Do you think that’s also part of the problem as to why the guidelines at time “feeze” in a certain position? Thanks to both of you!

[Daniel23]

I’m re-reading my reply and I’m not sure why there was a “fluid” in between steering shaft, take out the “fluid”

[EdBwoy]

Aligning your car at home is a pain, especially if that follows replacing a steering rack.

First, do what you have to do to try and keep the total distance from left ball joint to right ball joint the same. That is assuming your alignment was proper in the old setup.

• That means doing your best to turn the pinion input shaft on the rack and "equalize" the left/right inner tie rod joints.
• Then screw with the outer tie rod ends to straighten the wheels.
• Then connect the steering shaft in a way to center the steering wheel.
• Then test the steering wheel by turning lock to lock and ensuring it is equal left/right from the dead-straight position.
• You might need to repeat the outer tie rod steps as well as the lower steering shaft disassembly.

My preference is usually to leave all electronics off, but in this case you will have the rear camera guide lines to guide you on what the SAS considers to be true center (within an allowance of a very narrow dead zone).

Those are the basics, that you're trying to achieve. You could get it very close; close enough that the SAS doesn't trip out and think that you're busting a U-turn while driving straight.

[Daniel23]

I'm considering trying at least, it could end up as a learning curve or an afternoon full of frustration. I did however looked up my local Infiniti dealer and they offer a 4-wheel alignment for $120. The description states:"Includes: Complete precision 4 wheel computerized alignment, Check suspension & steering components, Check & adjust tire pressure, Examine tires for irregular wear." I'm assuming if they had to adjust the steering angle sensor, that would be an additional cost. Thanks a lot EdBwoy, you were very helpful.

[EdBwoy]

You're welcome Daniel.

I believe the dealership checks the steering angle sensor. Mine does. But that might have something to do with me reiterating to them that the steering wheel should be straight at the end of the process.

It's worth calling to ask. $120 is quite a lot for an alignment, but it's decent money to ensure all your SAS-dependent systems function correctly.

My strategy is to pay the one-time fee with Infiniti/ Nissan to get the electronics square, then go buy the multiple alignment package from Firestone. Again, I know they can do the mechanical adjustment, I am not sure they can do the electronic part with the SAS.
I would call and ask if they can, and that could save you the dealer charges.