tried starting my 97 maxima yesterday and all it did was gave me a couple of rapid clicks and then it was dead. however there was smoke coming from under my hood. it's coming from this thing ( i know i should buy a manual so i know what to call it , sorry it's the first thing on the serpentine belt, it has a small green sticker on it that read 'hitachi / nissan' 12V110A if that's any help. i'm gonna have to get it fixed ofcourse, but before i go to a dealer i'd like to know what is broken so that they can't screw me over. help would be mucho appreciated! thanks folks

wb

 

Your alternator self destructed.

 

If you have a 1997, it may be covered under the recall.

Check www.nhtsa.gov

 

thank people for the help. it actually was covered under a recall, thanks for the tip on that one. they even came and towed it off my drive way for free.

much thanks

wb