Hello, I just got a new project. A really messed up Maxima. Overall it's been a good project. New battery and drove it home ok. The battery light randomly goes on and off, probably the alternator. But only when I'm driving. When it's idling there are no problems. Not sure why that would be. Even revving the engine in Park doesn't trigger the light. After I drive it around the block it goes into limp mode. I thought it might be one of the camshaft position sensors but honestly I have very little experience with newer cars. One time it randomly shut off when it was idling in the garage. Maybe the ECU? Maybe it's a bad ground or bad connection somewhere. How would I go about finding a bad connection? Should I go ahead and replace the alternator or make sure to diagnose the real issue before I have to buy a new one? I already pulled the alternator and took it to the auto parts store but they can only test the voltage output which was fine. Will pull codes tomorrow and update.

Oh also the A/C climate control amp had a ton of coins and bobby pins in it. The design around it was baffling there is a coin sized hole in the case lol

Appreciate any advice.

 

I recently just had the same issue last week with my 04 Maxima. Just about the same symptoms. However I didnot experience any stalling or limp mode problems. I replaced the alternator and it runs great also the battery light has not been back on. As far as your connections the NEG cable goes from the battery and is grounded directly under the battery to the body. You'll need to remove the battery to see this. The POS cable is visible on top of the alternator and wraps around the engine to the POS battery terminal. Make sure those are clean and tight.

 

Replaced the alternator and had no start. So I went ahead and replaced the camshaft position sensor bank 1. Fixed the problems. Now I just have to get rid of the ABS light. Thanks for your advice!

 

Sounds like you had multiple issues. Good job at diagnosing and repairing them!

 

Pull the codes and perform a electric check on your battery and alternator using your OBD2 tester! You should have an electrical system test on it! Usually marginal alternator flicker at idle not cruise speeds. sorta sounds like a loose belt to me!

 

I got both the brake light and battery flashing. Needed new alternator.