Okay, so it wasn't that clever...

Well, I started my car. Okay. I'm sitting there for maybe a minute setting my radio and stuff, when I see a little smoke coming from my hood. I shut my car off, opened my hood, and sure enough there's a tiny flame clearly visible inside the alternator. I grabbed a glass of water and put it out (probably not the best idea, but I wasn't going to let a fire burn in my engine bay). I had it towed to my local shop. (I'm at college, and I have no tools here, plus I wouldn't want to change a Maxima alternator anyway...)

But... Has anyone encountered anything like this? Anyone know for sure what could cause it? (bearings seized up, electrical problem, etc..) And does anyone think it could be a symptom of a larger problem?

 

It happens somewhat often. There was an alternator recall for some 97 & 98 vehicles & some people have still been able to get it replaced for free at nissan. Don't know for sure if it applies to 99's, but I think you can have the dealership run your vin to determine whether or not you qualify. Of course, this doesn't matter anymore since you've already had it towed to the mechanic, but just throwing it out there anyway.

 

I was a little hasty, but I do need my car to go back home this weekend. I think the closest Nissan dealership is closer to home anyway, and I don't know how I would've gotten it there (not paying $60+ for a cross-county tow when AAA will take it down the road for free).

And do the recalled alternators usually cause fire after no previous charging problems? (Couldn't find anything in the search.)

Well, if all else fails I can check into it, thanks.

 

Yeah, from the threads that I've seen on this, it's usually pretty spontaneous. It's typically a "WTF! MY CAR SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE!" type of thing

 

^^^ I dont have a way to post pics yet, but thats basically how we were when my old third gen caught fire. Damn distributor shorted out.

 

Had the same kind of fire inside the alternator with my Mom's 97 GLE. Kicker was that the alternator recall WAS done on it. Little flickering flame inside. By the time I got over to the Walmart tire lube express and asked them if they had a fire extinguisher the smoke was billowing out the grille.

Fortunately only the alternator was toasted, no wiring or anything. Had it towed back and I replaced the alternator myself. It was real fun cleaning the fire extinguishing powder off the engine nooks and crannies but better than having the car burn up with only 67k on it.

 

I had my alternator replaced under the recall in summer '02 w/ around 80K in miles at the time. 6 years and a few batteries later, at more than 168K miles, no fires/problems yet on the replacement

 

If you were told by Nissan that your Maxima was not included in the recall for alternator fires, you need to file a complaint with NHTSA. Once NHTSA receives several complaints, they will force Nissan to recall the vehicles.

If you don't file a complaint, Nissan gets away with it.

 

If your warranty attempt doesn't work out and you have to just buy one, make sure to specify an alternator from a 99 I30. I30s are fully equipped with lots of lights (like standard foglights) So Nissan always gave the I30s the beefiest alternators.

DW

 

Wish i'd known that when my alternator and starter died twice in 2 years...