Wife is driving the 97 Max (99K miles) today, said that initially the batery light and brake light came on, followed shortly by the ABS light. Car then got jerky to drive (in 2nd gear) so she pulled over. She says she has power and can turn it over, she just does not want to drive with the warnings.

I am assuming a alternator belt or alternator, am I on the right track? I told her to leave the car with a note until I can look into it, but I want to be prepared. Any suggestions would be apprecated. Thanks!

 

Yes are on the right track.

 

yea prob.ly the alternator.
check output voltage first.

 

Funny how when I drive the car there are no problems...

Thanks for the help...

 

Alternator is dead replace it ASAP. Car will die soon....

 

definitely the alternator, if it isn't totally dead right now.........it will be in a few days

 

When the voltage regulator in the alternator died three weeks ago, my car became undrivable pretty quickly in less than two miles. I checked the voltage of the battery and it was less than 10. The voltage went back up as I turned off the engine.

 

Alternator, At least your wife gave you good info! Some wives would be ...... " YOUR !@@%&!% car went like grrrr blotchkang and died! When can you fix it? I need to go shopping!" SLAM-phone sound

 

This has got to be the funniest post I have read this week... including the sound effects... Thanks for that!!!!

 

You're welcome, I see nothing wrong in helping someone while injecting a little humour as long as it's not offensive

 

Exactly what happened to me when alternator went bad. I'd check a junkyard for a new one. I got one for 100 off a 98 Inifinity G35. I got an extra pair of hands for help and put the thing in, it took about 2 hours all together. We used this guide and I am positive that it must have cut the project time in half:

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/500

Hope that helps you as much as it helped me.

 

Buy a brand new one. I had to buy one last week and found one with a lifetime waranty for $130 from auto zone and checkers both.

 

Are you trying to discourage us young guys? And if the girl earns more money (it's not uncommon when the girl is a MD or something even when the husband is also a MD), let her shop!

Saw a girl on Dr. Phil while at the gym, doesn't settle for less than 4 carats. Yikes....

 

Not at all, don't get me wrong I love being married and kids are the greatest gift of all, but some wives ( notice how I don't flame my own wife! Been married long enough to know) shop like every husband is a MD! besides I like my wife to shop so I can go out and get more mods for the Max as you can see my wife's been shopping well lately!

4 carats! Hey for a woman like that I'm sure it's just the down payment! Bye Bye dream car!

 

You have a 97. Have you checked the VIN with a local dealer because there is a recall on 97 and early 98 alternators. My 97 SE is one of those but the alternator is fine.. so when it does go, I'll get a new one free.

 

Probably a dumb question... but... is there a website or something where you can check recalls for the Max? I've seen the sticky with the TSB's but I think that just helps the tech fix what's wrong.

 

Check your AC/ALT belt first and if it's ok, then it's your altenator.

 

a 98 G35 huh...?

:

 

Just talked to the stealership, they said there was not alternator recall for 97's, or any other that he could see based on my VIN. I googled while talking to him, gave him the recall #, and he is still saying no-go. Oh, he did offer to get me a new price on a new one + install $%#$@!

Now I am afraid to take my (new to me) '02 Patherfinder in for warranty check-up?

Thanks for the heads-up on the recall!!!

 

not all 4th gen were affected by this recall. I actually called nissan USA directly and asked abotu the recall. Had my contact info changed too while i was at it so i get any recall letters sent to my place (since i bought the car used). Do they even send out recall papers??

 

I found your alternator from a Nissan dealership for $200 new after core reimbursement.