check battery light

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03-09-2004, 08:14 PM

pana69

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check battery light

I have a 2000 Max (manual)
this morning my check battery light came on and the hand break light also stayed on. the car started ok and ran ok, and the lights actually went off about 5 min after starting the car. then through the day while I started my car the lights came on and shut off as the same. Just now coming home, my radio shut off and the abs light also came on.

my question is: do I need a new battery or is it the alternator? I would think that it's the battery because the warning lights did go off. your input is appreciated

Thanks
Tony

03-09-2004, 08:33 PM

BrandonSE

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In the service manual that is a sign of the alternator needing service. But you should still have autozone check it out.

brandon

03-09-2004, 08:38 PM

VMaximus02

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yup, it's your alternator. Have it check out asap.

03-09-2004, 08:44 PM

pana69

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grrrr, f-n alternator....

thanks guys

03-09-2004, 10:29 PM

FanaticMadMax

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Interesting, I didn't know the battery light is also an indicator for the alternator.

03-10-2004, 10:38 AM

pana69

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I went to strauss auto this morning for the alternator and they quoted me about $250 for the job. half an hour later I got a call telling me that they dont want to touch it because I have the subwoofer wiring straight to the battery and that I should go to Nissan to get it replaced. after I argued with the guy to JUST CHANGE IT I had to go pick it up and drop it off at a local guy that I havn't delt with, but the company I work for gets all our work done there on the company vehicles. anyway, he gave me a quote of $360 for an alternator (lifetime garantee) now I got a call telling me the belts are bad and that it's an extra...I don't even know...I think he said that the toal cost will be 430 or something ....then f-n taxes too. I'm ticked off. over 450 for an alternator...I love the car, but repairs suck.

sorry for venting

thanks
Tony

03-10-2004, 11:05 PM

808MAX-SPEC

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FanaticMadMax

Interesting, I didn't know the battery light is also an indicator for the alternator.

When you have a dead or dying battery, the battery light lights up. If the alternator is bad and then it won't charge the battery. Thus the battery warning light and the brake light lights up at the same time.

This happened to me last October and a friend who also has a 2001. I'm glad it was under warranty. My friend wasn't so lucky.