I think that your problem was also due to low fluid. The front caliper pistons were pushed so far out that the fluid in the master cylinder dropped far enough to turn on your TCS,Slip and ABS lights. When you installed new thicker pads and pushed the piston back into the caliper the fluid level went back to the correct level.

To the op your problem is similiar becuase as you clutch wore, the slave cylinder had to be pushed farther to compensate for less clutch disk material. This caused the fluid level to drop and turn on the VDC/ABS/Slip lights.

 

Check this thread too:
https://my350z.com/forum/autocross-road/300169-abs-control-unit-malfunctioning.html

I had the same symptoms. It turned out, for me, that the ABS Module shorted out. See thread for details...

 

The same thing happens to me when my brakes are low. I would agree that the car is trying to tell you something is wrong. For me it happens once a year, which is about how long my brakes usually last. Once replaced, the lights go off immediately. Good Luck.

 

How many miles do you put on your Z a year to require new pads annually.

 

I put between 18-20K each year in NYC. Lots of red lights.

 

I'm having the same problem but my pads are fine. Could this be due to near-bald tires? I just noticed yesterday that my rear tires are terribly low on tread.

Also, if I disconnect the battery for 15 minutes and reconnect it, the ABS light won't come on until I start driving but everything else is off from after ignition.

 

Wizurd, did you check your brake fluid level?