Driving home at 4am my battery light desides to come on and a few miles down the road I'm stuck.. First the lights dimmed, then the radio turned off, then everything dimmed more, and then it wouldn't accelerate until it died on the side of the road.

I just put a new clutch in so I had the battery and starter out.
I resurfaced the mating surfaces of the block and transmission before re-assembling.
The connections at the battery, starter, and altenator are tight. I replaced the starter a few months ago and I have an Optima red top battery so I'm pretty much ruling this to be the altenator.

I did have a grounding kit but took it off during the clutch install so now I'm just back to the stock ground. Its possible there is corrotion but it lasted several days and around 230 miles before dying. Even though its a red top I dont think it would last that long. Especially with subs in the back...

Other oppinions would be helpful

 

1) its corrosion

2) if you figured out that it is the alt., then what are you asking?

 

I'm not asking persay, I'm stating a problem and seeing what other peoples oppinions are.

 

change the alt.

 

+1 on the alternator, imo.

Had this happen on a 4hr trip once...not fun.

 

had almost this exact same thing happen in my old 3rd gen. it was the alt.

 

Alternator. Thats why your car slowly died. It was draining the battery for power until there was none left.

 

does the battery need to be replaced once the alternator dies connected to it?

 

Not usually. If the battery was weak to begin with then somtimes it goes bad. Just put the battery on a charger and let it get a good charge and it should be completly fine.

 

well i think my alternator is on its way out. tho i havent checked its voltage.

ive been noticing over the past few weeks that when i start my car up in the morning, it turns a couple of times before catching.

when i first got it 6 months ago, i would turn the key and it would turn the engine and catch immediately.
now its delayed for a half second or full second before "catching"

thats my alt right?
how much will a new one cost?
is it a DIY job? (imnoob)

 

there was a recall on alternators. The 115amp stock was not good and they upgraded to 125. refunded money i spend repairing alt and gave me a new one at no cost.

 

what years? models? gens?

 

97, IIRC. Maybe 98 as well.

 

so how to i qualify for this?
my local dealership?

just walk in and ask if there were any recalls?

 

Somebody has to ask--you did make sure the alternator belt is good, and tight, right?

 

i just replaced it. three weeks ago.

 

Call up NNA with your VIN, they'll tell you if it's applicable, and whether or not it's already been done.

 

Auto zone has a write up of how to change the alternator. http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm should work, or else go to their website and search for your vehicle repair guide.
I would recommend unbolting the 4 ac compressor bolts and tying the compressor aside to make it easier, much easier. Their is one large thru bolt on the alt, and one more bracket bolt on the opposite side and a connector. Very easy to replace, if you have ramps or stands
I would also recommend lubing your belt tensioner screw before untightening it so it doesnt stick. I had onne strip out for that issue.

 

definitely the alt, same thing happen to me on the highway, i triedt o ask the cops for help on the road, but they drove rite pass me.

 

Replaced my alternator that morning. Car runs great. I'll get my buddy at Nissan to see if that recall can be done on my car

I pulled my radiator to slide the alternator out. Mines easy since its a 5spd, drain it, two nuts, take off the upper hose and lay it fans side on the motor, all done.

 

Too much work, IMO (at least, for me). 4 bolts on the compressor, let it hang, problem solved.

 

whatevers clever man lol