Something weird going on with my ride the past few days. There's been some weird smell when I turned up the heat so I haven't used it. I turned it on full blast for a few mins today at 85 degrees and there was still a weird smell. All of a sudden, the brake and battery lights both lit up at the same time. I haven't gotten a chance to do a Check Engine Light test (I'm at work), but has anyone ever heard of this? I'm thinking there's some leak or something somewhere... Car still has been driving find. thanks in advance...

 

Your alternator is dead.

 

I wouldnt say dead, but failing. It will soon die and you will have no lights.... of any kind

 

ur alt is dead or is going to die...although mine has been dying fro 2 years...and it actually overcharges

 

My is like that after wash the engine.....It keep coming on and off when it bump...U should check the sensors near the intake and all of the other for loose. I did my yesterday and this morning i drive to work, it didn't show....Hope it won't show when i drive home this afternoon.

 

what does it mean when alternator makes a whinning noise that gradually gets quieter once car is warm

 

wow, thanks for the quick replies... so i take it i won't be able to start the car soon at this rate (if alternator dies)?

I did drain my Optima battery last week (leaving lights on for 5-6 hours accidentally). Ugh... thanks for the help!

 

Crazy, my alternator died JUST as I pulled into the shop. :P

Appreciate the help guys, ya saved me!!!

 

Did your ABS and AIRBAG light come on just before it died?

 

its about to go check the manufacture date on the car to see if you can get it fixed under the 98 recall for alternator...i htink the date is before feb 98, if its before call up nissian corp and tell them, and theyll give you instructions and then you go to the dealership and you can get it done for free

 

Unfortunately mine is May 98. I remember checking it a long time ago..

thanks tho sunten1

crazy97: well it came on in the afternoon about an hour before i took it to the shop. Stayed on, but I could start the car. Luckily I made it.

 

very fortunate! most people ignore the symptoms, your lucky you didnt, othewrise a tow truck was in your future

 

Is this recall for all Maximas before 98? Meaning my 95 max could get a new alternator covered under a recall?