So last night my radar detector started detecting phantom "laser detection" i thought maybe it was time for a new radar detector since this one is pretty old. After work today my car had a little hesitation when starting, but I thought nothing of it, since it was pretty cold out. Anyway I drove about a mile and my radio lost all sound but remained powered on, then I saw that the lights in the clock were becoming dim, and the seatbelt light came on even though I had my seatbelt on. Further, my airbag light came on and this light and my seatbelt light began to flash... I parked my car at a friends house so as to not break down on my way home... now the car wont start at all.... Is this the alternator??? What am I looking at to fix this problem??

My car is a 99 max se with 151,000 miles on it, i have replaced all o2 sensors (cali emissions car) knock sensor and exhaust in the last 2 years, no changes to my car at all in the last 6 months except for regular oil changes.


Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!

CUSEMAX

 

Sounds exactly like an alternator. They can be had at a junk yard pretty cheap and you can use the 2k-2k1 alternators. They are a bit of a PITA to install though. I did mine on a lift and it took 2 hours.

 

Junk yard is about an hour away...... without a lift do you think im better off just paying to get it fixed???? Thanks for your advice... ( what is cheap at junkyard by the way, I think dealer would be at least $400, so cheap would be around 150??)

Thanks!

 

I changed my alternator this past Dec. I bought it from O'Reillys for $205 with a $75 dollar core charge. The best part is that I went from a 110 amp to a 125 amp one and now I have a lifetime warranty. Of course you can get one cheaper from a junkyard but I wouldn't buy starters or alternators from one. But thats just my opinion.

 

I paid $60 for mine.

 

autozone sells one for 160... should I avoid this one at all costs?? They say its got a lifetime warranty!

 

I just got off the phone with nissan... they say they will replace it for me on monday for $268.28(parts) + $150.00 (labor) + tax. This doesnt seem like such a bad deal right???? Please advise, car is no good to me in its current state!!!!!

 

that really doesn't sound too bad for an oem alternator. When you get there though they may recommend to change out your battery as well. What kind of battery do you have in your 99 now? It all depends on how bad your CCA are if they are low they will suggest to replace. If so look to spend another 69.99 for the battery. Good luck

 

If you can't do it yourself then let Nissan or a local shop do the job.
Use a genuine Nissan alternator, don't go aftermarket.
You got 150K out of the original one, there's a reason why it lasted that long.
There are to many posts about guys using AutoZone parts that crap out in a years time. Spend a few extra bucks and use Genuine OEM parts. They last longer and work better.

 

That is the truest statement ever. I even purchased my PCV from the dealer lol! But that was because I don't like the douche at autozone.

 

thanks for all of the advice, i thought I would be able to jump start my car if it was just a bad alternator, but apparently it wont start... whenever i turn the key i just hear a rapid clicking noise.... this has me worried... maybe the answer is a new 2006 max.....

 

update.... I had my car towed to my local nissan dealer, including towing and the parts and labor i got out of there for $425... they only charged me 100 bucks for labor so i feel like I did ok since i didnt have to freeze my a$$ off in the snow and everything taking my car apart.... Thanks to all of you for the advice, my car runs great now!!!!!