My 2014 Maxima S wouldn't start after shutdown on two occasions. The the key fob security light was dimly flashing and it was the only light on. I changed the key fob battery each time and eventually at about 5 - 10 minutes, the car came back to life and started. Unfortunately the third time the car shutdown, I was driving. After 5 minutes, the car started. Any suggestions to troubleshoot and fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.

 

check codes

 

I borrowed an OBDII code reader from a friend. After doing a complete check out, while test driving my car with the scanner connected, the alternator duty cycle and alternator on would display 0 and off respectfully after driving for about 15 minutes. The Battery charge would start decreasing from 12 .5 volts indicating the alternator was not charging . Also code p1550 appeared three times which is how many time the engine shutdown. Code p1550 is the Battery Current Sensor. This sensor measures the current coming thru the negative battery cable to which it is mounted. I bought a negative cable from a local Nissan dealer and replaced it. After test driving my car, I got the same result. I checked out a few videos on YouTube and came to the conclusion the alternator is bad. I replaced the alternator and drive belt. I test drove my car several times with the code reader connected and everything is all good now. My 2014 Maxima S has 155,000 miles on it. The original alternator did a good job for10 years.

 

Thanks for reporting back! It seems these don't go too far beyond 150K. I am on my third!

 

Thanks for the update. I've heard there's no reliable replacement alternator for these vehicles. All the ones on the market don't last due to being remanufactured and not repaired correctly. I've heard of some replacements only lasting a few months, some get a year and are do for another one. Glad to hear replacing the alternator fixed your problem.

 

Totally agree with remanufactured alternators not a good fix. My 2003 car with 185,000 miles is on its 4th alternator.

1st original alternator lasted 130,000 miles
2nd remanufactured alternator lasted 5,000 miles
3rd new alternator from Amazon lasted 50,000 miles
4th new alternator from Amazon - just installed.

No replacement alternator ever lasted as long as original. But new is always better than remanufactured by 10X.

 

Agreed!

 

Hello,

I encountered the same error code P1550 – Battery Current Sensor Circuit. My car has 149,000 miles on it.

Symptoms observed:

• The engine would not start.
  
• No dashboard indicators, except for a flashing red icon of a car with a key.
  
• I temporarily resolved the issue by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery wires.
  
• On a separate occasion, the engine completely shut off while driving home.
  

Before I start replacing parts, I’d appreciate some advice on where to begin.
Would you recommend replacing the battery current sensor circuit, the alternator, or something else?
Are there any diagnostic steps I should take first to pinpoint the issue more accurately?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Hello kamehameha,
I experienced the same symptoms also. In addition to the battery and brake light illuminating, which indicates the alternator is faulty. Replace the alternator and the serpentine-drive belt too. This should alleviate and fix the problem. Also, it's a good idea to replace your battery. Your battery is probably weaker from carrying the electrical load. You might want to invest into a code reader too. I borrowed a friend's code reader and discovered my bad alternator was putting out no load. I've invested in a good code reader to help me diagnose and stay on top of my Maxima's performance.

 

@Philliysportsphan
Thank you for your reply. First, I’ll start with an OBD scanner to check the alternator output. Regarding the brake light lamp you mentioned, I’ve noticed a similar issue — my dashboard brake light sometimes appears and disappears, and the traction control light does the same.

 

Regarding the intermittent brake light and traction control light, I had the same thing happen awhile back and found the brake fluid level was low. Topped of the fluid and never had the problem again.

 

Thanks for advise, I'll try today add some more fluid.