Looking to see if anyone has encountered this: Started the car in the morning, both battery, and brake lights came and stayed on. After driving around for a couple of minutes I turned the AC on, the lights returned. Pulled the car into the garage and tried charging the battery for a couple of hours, started the car and still can't seem to get rid of the lights. I'm running an Optima yellow top battery intalled not too long ago. Just want to get some ideas as to what it could be. Just in case, how much should I expect to spend for a new alternator?

Thanks

 

Sounds like your alternator is shot. You need to test with a voltmeter or take it to your local Autozone and have it tested.

 

That's pretty much what I figured, but was hoping againt. Any ideas how much a new one would run me?

 

Have no clue bro--never thought about buying one for a Max. You can shop online for parts at Autozone and several others, I would suggest that. Call the Nissan house tomorrow and get a price too. Sometimes the factory ones are close to the aftermarket rebuilds, and I've always had better luck with factory parts. If you're running a big stereo you might look into a high-amp alternator.

 

If you buy an alternator from autozone or discount, they should give you a lifetime warranty on it. Or atleast something like 5 years, not sure. Anyways, if you have a stereo that eats up alternators, this should be a good way to go, just swap them out yourself. I don't know how hard the swap is on maxima's but unfortunetly it looks like its burried pretty far in the engine bay.

 

check your belt tension and make sure it has no more than 7mm play. Peace...

 

Thanks for all the info. Turned out to be the alternator, extended warranty took care of it, so I'm relatively happy. I am however concerned that the new one may go relatively quickly as well. Can anyone recommend a place that would have a high output alternator for the Max?

 

I would go to a local alternator shop and ask how many amps they can get out of the stock one by rewiring it. Aftermarket high output alternators can get very costly for a good one and they will eat up some HP.