So here's my recent issue with my 2000 nissan maxima SE automatic. It recently hit the 200000km/125k miles
I was driving the other day when suddenly my car would just die. All the lights would flash and the motor would just shut down. I would pull over to the side of the road, shut down the car, and it would start again perfectly fine... until the next 5-10 minutes, same scenario. I noticed one of my battery connector was loose on the terminal to the point it would slide out like butter but I'm sceptic that this is only a battery issue and more of an alternator failing. The car started perfectly today so I decided to let it idle for a good 10 minutes and it died again. The car still starts perfectly every time. Sould I just change my alternator right away or could it be something else? Thanks!

 

Technically car should run off alternator once started.

However the battery will control voltage spikes. If your terminal pops loose during driving you could be getting voltage spikes to electronic components such as ecu.

Unsure if voltage spikes would be causing the shutdowns, but i think its possible. To begin I'd tighten that terminal back up, and then get a multi meter and check voltage across the battery with alternator running.

Some parts stores will do free in car alternator testing if you feel confident you can get the car there without being stranded.

I dont believe in throwing parts at problems without some testing unless its also just good maintenance.

 

This does not look like an alternator problem. To confirm, start the car and measure the voltage on the battery; if it's 14V or better (up to ~ 14.6 V), your alternator is fine. To confirm that the battery is OK, measure the voltage on the battery with the engine stopped. It should be 12-12.5V.

Obviously, you haven't done much searching; If you did, you would find this thread
https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...shuts-off.html
and other threads like it.

 

Thanks guys,
I'll check the other threads and test the voltage.

 

cam sensor will make it shut off

 

Have you checked the cam sensor ?

 

No I have'nt checked the cam sensor. Is there a way to check it beside scanning the SES code? I have also checked the battery voltage and its seems alright at 12.56v and it charges at 14.60v so I assume battery and alternator is fine. What else could it be beside the cam sensor?

 

Cam sensor could be the culprit, when they get warm is when they show signs of fault

Where is george_ to scream MAF?

 

if it ends up being the alternator you can use this video to replace it.