Hicas Warning Light

datty240Z

Well-Known Forum User
Last week the battery went flat on my 300ZX TT.  When I charged up the battery the Hicas warning light started to come on after driving for a few minutes and has done since.  Can anyone advise what the prob may be?  Does the Hicas system lock out when there is a problem?  Is it OK to drive like this?
 

Mr.F

Inactive
The most obvious cause of HICAS light operation is low fluid level but I am assuming you have checked this!
Charging the battery while it is still connected to the vehicle system has the potential to damage the computer systems, e.g. the HICAS control unit, particularly if fast charge is used.
The workshop manual provides a sef diagnostic procedure which will get the warning lamp flashing codes at you to check nine different aspects of HICAS control (ST-73 to ST-96 in the UK manual).
 

datty240Z

Well-Known Forum User
The power steering fluid level seems OK.  I did stupidly charge the battery with it still connected but on trickle only.

Do I need special tools or equipment to read the self diagnostic?  Where do the flashing codes appear?  Can you advise on the procedure?

Thanks.

Andrew
 

Mr.F

Inactive
As you can see from my page references, there are 23 pages in the workshop manual on this - hardly room in a posting to the forum! To set the ball rolling and the light flashing:
1.Ign OFF
2.Gear shift to P or N (auto) or neutral (manual)
3. Ign ON
4.Immediately start engine
5. Turn steering wheel L to R 5 times or more and depress brake pedal at least 5 times within 10 seconds of Ign ON (&#33<img src="http://www.zclub.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
6. Depress and release foot brake
7. Turn steering wheel L to R (at least 20 degrees of movement)
8. Auto: move gear shift to any gear position then return to neutral. Manual: depress clutch move into any gear position then return to neutral.
9.Move car at least 10 feet forward at (at least) 1 mph
10. HICAS warning lamp will start to flash.

0.25 second intervals: all systems normal
10 flashes followed by 5 second delay, then 9 code flashes (repeating) indicates a fault. Code flashes are 0.1 second for OK and 1 second for fault. Count which number flash is longer.
1=RH solenoid valve
2=LH solenoid valve
3=fail-safe valve
4=power st. solenoid valve
5=speed sensor input
6=steering angle sensor
7=steering neutral position indicator
8=auto parking brake sensor or, manual clutch sensor
9=auto inhibitor sensor or, manual neutral sensor

Cancel by turning off ignition. Auto cancel after 5 minutes or driving at 20mph or more.

Have fun......
 

datty240Z

Well-Known Forum User
WOW!

That seems like fun. &nbsp;When you say turn steering L - R 5 times or more, do you mean full lock or just a 20 degree turn?

I'll have a go tonight.
 

Mr.F

Inactive
20 degrees or more turn in each direction, followed by 5 stomps on the brake pedal, all within 10 seconds......
 
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