Riffmaster

New to the forums, my recent problems led me here.
98 Maxima GLE

So my battery and brake light started coming on about 2 weeks ago, they never stay on for more than 5 minutes. I had the charging system checked and everything came up fine, except when the lights came on the alternator dropped to 12V. I know it could be alternator going but I had the stock one replaced about a year ago. Also, every once in a while, the audio would cut from all the speakers to just the rear or left speakers and then come back. That had no correlation to the battery and brake lights.

It ran fine, started fine and never died on me so I'm still driving it, well on the way in to school this morning the ABS light came on with the battery and brake lights. They still come on intermittently, and now I lose full audio to the speakers, even though the stereo will keep playing the tape or CD. I'm guessing it's electrical and that's out of my league. Any clues where to start would be greatly appreciated!

The Wizard

iTrader: (43)

You have all the tell tale signs of your alternator on its way out. Replace it before it leaves you stranded.

JoshG

oh i have been stranded a couple times due to a dead battery(old battery), bought a good battery...never stranded again, not fun being stranded.

so do replace it while u can.

asand1

iTrader: (1)

Don't replace the alternator yet. Check positive and negative battery cables, especially near the battery where acid commonly corrodes the copper wire inside the insulation, and the charging wire from the alternator for corrosion. Also check the terminals inside the red connector at the positive battery post. Make sure everything is clean and TIGHT.

Check the 7.5amp (#60) and 140amp (A) in the box near the battery, and #13 (10amp) fuse to the left and below the steering column.

Use a test light to test both sides of each fuse to make sure the fuse is capable of carrying a load.

Download the Factory service manual here;
http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1998/