1) was driving from dc to nYC and about 10 minutes before getting home the battery light and brake light come on in my dash. anyone know what this means. I didnt do anything to make this happen. just out of the blue.

2) upon startup i hear a big clacking sound for a couple of seconds and its gone. VTC's i guess. how much does it cost or what do they go for. i suppose that whats wrong.

 

battery + brake light = alternators dead. unless its a trip in the system, expect to stall within the next coulpe days and not be able to start up. test alternator and replace if needed

 

Not a lot of info, but here's a shot. Could the alternator belt be slipping? Check the tension to make sure. I believe the brake light comes on with the alt light on these cars. My brother says it's been wet in Boston so it probably has been wet there, too. Maybe you'll get off easy on this one.

BTW. Did both symptoms begin simultaneously? And do you have any more info that may help you diagnose this?

 

Lucky man. Only 2 problems! Btw. What type hot balloon u float on? How many miles?

Yes, its really that what the warning lamps show. Do smtg fast before u have 3 problems... Before anything else, check alt fuse [near batt] and its connectors. when they are ok, swap alt.

AND make an addon ground wire(s) to keep problem level below 2...
How?clic on: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/10

.

 

Just got alternator so could be the slippage. but im taking it to mechanic today so well see. it didnt happen simultaneously vtc started clacking upon startup for about 2 seconds about a week ago. unfortunately no more info than what im telling you just happened yesterday. Ill try the tensioner and go from there

 

The VTC tick issue is a problem for Maximas with the VE engine. Do you have a 92-94 SE??

 

i think you have a vg man. the clacking you hear is your lifters. mine does the same thing every once in a while.