davemax

Ok.
Went to start my car yesterday and the thing would not start. I gave it a jump and ran it for about 15 minutes then turned it off and restarted it and it was dead. Today jumped it again and drove to autozone to get the alternator checked. It died on me while I was driving twice. I had to jump it to get back home.
Is it the alternator or battery autozone could not test any of them to make long story short.
Thanks

97BLKMAXSE

when the car was running were the lights dim or anything? i had my battery die a couple of weeks ago i got a jump and drove home hoping that the problem would just go away unfortunatly the next morning it wouldnt start again so i got a jump drove to an auto parts store left my car running went inside bout a new battery (interstate, very good quality) and drove home and instaled it. no problems after that. usualy if it is your battery once you get a jump the car shouldnt die while driving. my guess would have to say that its the alternator. but you might want to get a few more opinions before you buy anything.

breaux124

iTrader: (1)

Hard to tell if its the alternator.

But definately if the alternator went, chances are you'd need a new battery anyway. I'd say get a new battery (with milage warrenty, which is most) and try that. If within a month the problem comes back get the alternator checked.

Batteries are easier and cheaper to replace, and it sounds like it's a possible problem.

davemax

I heard that if you start the car and take out the negative wire from the wire and it still runs that the alternator is fine and that its probably is the battery.

karguy

[QUOTE]Originally posted by davemax
[B]Ok.
There is an easy way to check the alternator. With engine running you can use a DC volt Meter set on 15 volts DC to measure battery voltage. Positive lead goes to Positive post and negative lead to negative post. Normally you'll see the voltage go up from about 12.3 volts to 13.6 to 13.8 volts. What you are seeing is the surface charge builing up on the battery and the voltage rises but the voltage regulator keeps it between 13.6 and 13.8 volts. If you don't see the voltage rise your alternator is probably at fault. If you see the voltage rise and the battery doesn't hold a charge it is probably the battery. If the voltage goes above 14 volts you have an alternator problem (really a regulator problem but it is integrated into alternator electronics). If there is an Advance Auto near you they will check the alternator and battery for free and install the battery for free. I got their best battery except for the Optima Line and pd about $65 total (came with 3 year unconditional replacement warranty and pro rated to 7 or 8 years). The alternator install is on you. Also there is a recall on 97 and some 98 Maximas and I30s that is going on now, maybe you can get a free alternator if you are affected. Worth a shot!
Be Well!!!!

95emeraldgxe

turn on the car, and then start blasting your music - if the car dies its your alternator