Alternator replacement nightmare
Alternator replacement nightmare
My sons both have 5th generation Maximas and have had several of the previous generations. Boy, have I learned over the years! My younger son called late one recent afternoon that his '00 Max just shut off. We surmised the alternator failed as the airbag and ABS lights came on just before it quit and it would not restart.
We drove the 50 miles to his location, got a replacement alternator, and began the switch in a parking lot. Because I had done a replacement in an earlier generation Maxima and countless other cars over the years, I was confident it was just a matter of doing. Ha! That thing is really up there tight.
Darkness fell and the temperature was dropping while we continued working by flashlights.
We finally got it entirely unbolted which was quite a challenge in itself, but there was no way to actually get it out from the engine compartment. I was confounded!!! The only thing that seemed likely was pulling the radiator to get clearance. I did not have anything to drain the coolant into, so by 7:45 PM, I hated to admit that we were beaten for that night and would have to come back another time in the daylight.
Of course upon checking my Nissan manual it casually mentions to unbolt the A/C compressor and move it forward to allow clearance. I never would have suspected this as the routine thing to do. Maybe if I could have sen everything in the light it would have dawned on me. Even with unbolting the compressor it is a very tight escape. We got it done pretty smoothly after that and all is well again. I really like and admire those Maximas, but for a time there I was ready to rip out the rest of my hair.
So, to my fellow members, keep please this tidbit in mind for the future if you find you need to tackle this job.
We drove the 50 miles to his location, got a replacement alternator, and began the switch in a parking lot. Because I had done a replacement in an earlier generation Maxima and countless other cars over the years, I was confident it was just a matter of doing. Ha! That thing is really up there tight.
Darkness fell and the temperature was dropping while we continued working by flashlights.
We finally got it entirely unbolted which was quite a challenge in itself, but there was no way to actually get it out from the engine compartment. I was confounded!!! The only thing that seemed likely was pulling the radiator to get clearance. I did not have anything to drain the coolant into, so by 7:45 PM, I hated to admit that we were beaten for that night and would have to come back another time in the daylight.
Of course upon checking my Nissan manual it casually mentions to unbolt the A/C compressor and move it forward to allow clearance. I never would have suspected this as the routine thing to do. Maybe if I could have sen everything in the light it would have dawned on me. Even with unbolting the compressor it is a very tight escape. We got it done pretty smoothly after that and all is well again. I really like and admire those Maximas, but for a time there I was ready to rip out the rest of my hair.
So, to my fellow members, keep please this tidbit in mind for the future if you find you need to tackle this job.
Last edited by Flutie7NFL; Jan 18, 2009 at 04:02 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,898
From: Philadelphia, PA
Yeah no matter what its a tight fit for replacing the alternator. This guide helps for whoever needs it. It also states to move the compressor:P
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/500
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/500
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1st & 2nd Generation Maxima (1981-1984 and 1985-1988)
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