So i started my car a few minutes ago and there was this weird whine coming from the motor. then i started seeing smoke and then i seen i small flame inside my alternator. now my charge light on the dash dont come on when i turn on the ignition switch but my car still starts and seems to be running fine. Is my alternator ok or is it toast??

Older 4th Gens had a recall on their alternators. Not sure if yours would. But your going to need to replace it. Maybe call a nissan dealership you might get it replaced.

i think it caught on fire because i checked the oil and i think some oil from the dipstick dripped inside the alternator.

lol,

call anyways nissan may pay!

you've got bigger problems ahead. Get the alt replaced and have your electrical system checked out. Oil dripping from a dip stick into the alternation will not cause a fire...

Be Safe, Mark V.

yeah im changing it. my mechanic quoted 170 buck to replace it.

Hhhhmm. Strange. I'd definitely replace it if it was on fire...for sure! Even though "it seems" to be fine now. My guess is that it will fail sooner rather than later. Just hope your connectors didn't melt.

If you wanna save a couple bucks, it's very easy to change yourself with basic tools.

Dr J

i would agree...
just take a look at the write up first for hints....i remember changing my alternator. trying to pull it out from the top.

Wait what? I replaced mine from the top. How did you do yours?!
Dr J

i had to drop the a/c compressor

there is no way a first timer could do this alone, i watched a tech replace mine and i would'nt want to try that without a lift and several different sockets and patience. took my guy like an hour and a half, and he knew what he was doing. also, my alternator was soaked in oil from front valve cover leaking into it and it had 211,000 when i replaced it.

1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2) Remove the splash guard on the right side of the vehicle.
3) Loosen the alternator belt idler pulley.
4) Slip the drive belt off the alternator pulley.
5) Remove the four air conditioning compressor mounting bolts.
6) Remove the radiator fan and fan shroud.
7) Move the air conditioning compressor forward.
8) Disconnect the alternator harness connector.
9) Remove the alternator mounting bolts, and lower the alternator from the vehicle.

Dr J