Enduro

I just found out that alternator for 95-99 maxima cannot be tested when off the car. I first tested it while still on the car and the test was inconclusive because of possible loose connections. So the Autozone rep told me to bring the alternator in so he can test it on their machine, to avoid possible problem with any loose connectors. When he went to look it up on the computer they didn't have the right plug for the Maxima.

Pepboy said they can do it but again when I brought it in the same thing happened. So I figure Nissan must be able to do it and gave them a call and the service guy was surprised and sorta laughed that I even mention testing it off the car. Went to Shell and same thing answer, on the car only.

Well just to let everyone know so they wont go through the trouble of taking it off the car for nothing.

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

hmm..that stinks. did u have a manual to refer to? maybe it says in there not to take it off.

Enduro

Yes it stinks. I do have the Haynes manual but it said nothing about not taking it off for testing. So I ended up testing the output voltage from the alternator after putting it back on the car and it seems to be a bit on the low side: 14.02 with lights off and only 13.8x with lights on. However reving the engine does bring it back to the low low 14.