I was thinking of relocating my vdc switch to the console next to the heated seat switches. In its present location, it is not easy to find when you need to quickly. Has anyone done this, and what was involved? On a side note, can the vdc be switched off at any speed?

 

I can't say that I've even seen where somebody's done it. Then again, it's not something you need quick access to. Most people either leave it on or leave it off.

Yes, it can be switched on and off at any time.

 

Very good idea, little bit more convenient. I like where it is stock though, kinda hidden.

 

...except that you can't turn it off when it's active (SLIP light flashing).

 

True - it's not an override switch.

 

Which takes us back to your first comment (which is wise advice):
I would think Nissan never wants to provide a driver the ability to toggle VDC on/off while the system is active (SLIP on). Once the car needs VDC, it wouldn't make any sense to defeat the device if the driver has elected to have it (VDC) active. Keeping the button in a "lesser-access" position is probably by design.

I'm guessing, but I think anyone who has a Z with VDC (and has experienced activation of VDC) understands what I am saying and why Dave mentions: "True - it's not an override switch."

--Spike

 

YEah, put the VDC switch within elbow reach of you or the passenger. So you can hit it with your latte in the morning of simply while shifting...

Yes it can be done. It probably just lock in the slots already there. Just splice the harness and run a new one to the center tunnel.

But I don't see the point? Where it is now, it's within easy reach. I can hit it anytime I want, mid corner or stopped.

 

Easy to do, but since it can't kill the system when active, why not go all the way and put a VDC kill switch inline with the yaw sensor's power (orange) wire and mount it in the ashtray or something, instead? I have one, but I mounted it in the blank next to the VDC switch; I have no trouble accessing either switch in that location.

 

IIRC, about three years back, there was a thread where someone custom fabricated a jumper harness using the Nissan male and female connectors to basically extend the existing harness length to allow the switch to be relocated in the switch slot where the seat heater switches were in the center console. Was a very clean installation, to include use of a Nissan OEM blanking panel to replace the displaced switch in the dash. Perhaps a search would turn up this old thread.

 

I understand about not being able to override when it is active -- that was not my intention. At a traffic light, going into some twisties that I might want to play with, the stock location requires moving your head close to the door just to see it, much less taking your hand off the wheel to turn it off. I normally drive with it on -- just thought it would be much more convenient by the shifter.

 

My guess is by the time you see what it is going to take & how much it costs, you will decide a little head movement ain't so bad! LOL!

 

What about just gluing a rough protrusion on the switch so you can easily feel it instead of having to look. Kind of like Braille.

It most certainly affects the characteristics of the car's handling in tight corners that you may break loose on. I definitely want to know if it is on or off before a specific turn and I wouldn't want to accidentally hit it or have a passenger have access to it.

 

I don't quite understand the use of relocating either. I can find the switch everytime I need it without looking.

I say leave it there first and see if you can just try to remember the exact location?

 

I was actually thinkin about doing this, but only cause my utec remote switch is in the open spot next to the vdc switch. I'd rather not accidentally hit the map switch instead of vdc.

 

I think you make the best point here.

That's the same configuration Nissan supplies with the wheel-mounted cruise control buttons. You can operate these buttons without taking your eyes off the road or during night time driving. And, its location prevents a passenger from accidently changing, activating, or defeating any function of cruise control. I would want these same features and protections with a VDC button.

--Spike

 

Decided to go ahead and do it -- 1.5 hours total -- not a bad job. Now both blanks are where they belong -- where you can't see them!

 

I'm interested to see how you will feel about it in a month.

 

Moving your head ?

Dude, drop the gangsta' driving position and sit up straight! The button is(was) perfectly within range of your hand if you're properly seated.

 

I totally agree. If it was in one of the blank spots beside the heated seats, just think how many of us here, have thought, wow it's getting a bit warm & quickly look down and notice you've knocked on the heated seats. Would be very easy to do with VDC there too. Or knocking the wrong switch even worse.
That probably depends how tall you are, therefore what the reach of your arms is.
And if someone else is driving, you probably don't wanting them to realise where the VDC button is straight off. If I'm asked if someone else is driving I won't tell them.

 

I use that tactic myself. Eases my worries.