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When the dealer said my 2008 Altima needed a new brake switch, (car wouldn't start), they said I also needed a brake harness!! Almost $1000.. .? True?? Why??
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Yes, it's typical for any vehicle to have the front brake pads and rotors replaced at 40,000 miles or less. A complete service would involve (2) new front brake rotors, (1 set) of new front brake pads (this includes 4 pads), brake fluid, silicone brake grease for the slide pins and possibly new slide pins (If they're corroded) and rubber seals for the slide pins. Because of the age of your vehicle, it's always a good idea to have the brake fluid changed (This means that your mechanic should bleed the brake system by opening the bleed screw on all (4) brake calipers). Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and will start to break down (Lower the boiling point) and cause rust inside the system making your brakes less effective. Look at the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. The fluid should appear either clear (Perfectly clean) or slightly yellowish. If it appears to be light to dark brown, it's time to change it. If I were you, I would shop around for prices at other reputable service shops. Your dealer is going to charge you top dollar for this service. Hope this helps.
Its probably the brake switch. When the brake pedal is depressed there is an electrical switch that is tripped and it tell the car that the brakes are engaged and safe to start, shift into gears, etc. Mine went out on my 2008 Altima and was a fast 50 dollar fix at the dealership. Its worth it to just pay the dealership rather than try give yourself a headache trying to figure out how to replace it yourself.
do the brake lights come on when you press the brake? If not the brake switch is bad. If they do, check your brake fluid. Ive heard of these Altimas having bad master brake cylinders. If your brakes(pads) are good and your fluid is really low, this may be your culprit. Should be covered under warranty.Let me know how you make out.
When you push the brake pedal do the rear brake lights come on?
Check that next time it does not start.
You may need a simple brake light switch adjustment.
Lets keep it simple if the wiring harness is in good condition lets not look at that... first check your fuse if the fuse is good... check for power... if you have power coming and going from the fuse then check your brake switch ( located under the dash) attached to brake pedal. Please make sure your light bulbs are both good also. If your brake light switch is good and you have tried everything else it is either going to be in your 4 way switch or wiring harness
Thanks to this forum I just fixed my 07 Altima - Every time I pressed the start button the starter did not turn. I knew it wasn't the battery because if the battery was bad the solenoid clicks when you press the start button.
It turned out one of the two brake switches (the one with the four wires) was causing the problem. I removed the connector and pulled off the back of the switch. I was able to see one of the contacts was corroded. I sanded it down with an emory board till both surfaces were shiny again and reassembled the switch. Works like a charm!!
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