2 days ago a squeak/squeal started and doesn't stop as long as the car is on, then yesterdayafternoon the brake & battery lights came on. I have a 1998 Maxima.
Any ideas?

 

Your alternator has failed.

 

That, or your serpentine belt has failed and is squeaking because it's too loose, causing it to not spin the alternator properly.


Posted from Maxima.org App for Android

 

Thanks for the help!
Any idea how long I can drive it without causing damage?

 

 

Lights on, damage is done and it's time to repair it.

 

^^That.

 

That alternator is toast! Maybe the pulley on it seized and that's the noise that you heard.

 

I want to thank y'all for the replies.
Car died at the drive up ATM today. Towed to the garage. Getting it repaired. Really didnt think it would die so quickly. Thought I'd have until Sat when my friend could've looked at it. Oh well....at least I'll have a warrenty on it this way.
Thanks again!

 

^^My alternator lights came on about a week ago. It completely went out less than a 20 miles later (They came on and I limped home. It died as I pulled in my driveway).

I dont recommend driving on a bad alternator, but I did what I had to do in rush hour traffic

 

Don't fix it just keep driving the way it was. Might as well replace the engine oil with sand too.