Lately, when I crank the ignition, it takes about 2-3 long seconds to turn over..i haven't been able to figure out why...anyway, today when i started it, the battery and brake light came on in my dash board. I turned it off and turned it back on to see if it was just a fluke but they stay on...any ideas??

 

Alternator.

 

I agree. Your alternator is no longer charging your battery.

 

Just test it using a multimeter against specs and see if that's the case. I'm sure alternator could cause the brake light, but no reason you shouldn't also inspect that too. Could be something as simple as low brake fluid level.

 

My buddy had this issue ok his Altima recently, kept driving it anyway. Finally the bad alternator drained the batt/stopped charging so he.bought a fresh batt thinking it'd solved.

Ten mins later the alt harness caught fire! Alternator must have shorted out and harness tape & plastic lit up, luckily he saw it and saved the car. Keep ok mind there is no fuse from batt + to alt!

A lot of stores bench test the alt for free now, worth the trouble.

 

Most likely the alternator. Get a multi-meter and check your alternator, turn on all the accessories, a/c, radio, step on the brake. If the volts keep dropping then your alternator cant support the right charge anymore. It's a simple load test.

 

This might just be a temporary fix but try spraying your alternator connectors with electrical cleaner, I used MAF cleaner but I think its the same.

I followed the wire from connector on the actually alternator itself to two other connectors and cleaned them all out, mine had dirt and funky stuff inside for some reason and spraying them out fix my problem, I also sprayed the grounding wire as well.

 

+1 on the Alternator

If you don't have a multimeter, most auto parts chains will check your charging system free of charge.

 

It could also be the clutch on the A/C compressor, especially if you have been hearing noises coming from the alternator area.

I was 99% sure that my alternator was fried until I got under the car and looked to see that the bearings on the clutch seized up.

 

Definitely your alternator.

 

Agree, it is most likely your alternator. I have had this issue before and i was able to drive up to 30 miles before the battery totally died. I was able to reach home though

 

As all other threads on the org related to battery light + brake light have stated, its your alternator. I've had this issue on my 3rd gen before.