alternators may start fire because of bad diode. Sorry if its old news.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/020702/autos_recalls_1.html

 

Finally they acknowledge this problem. My alternator failed three years ago, and at that time the dealer was like "I have never seen a Maxima alternator fail" and they refused warranty service until my high pitched alternator whine turned into the car dying on the road (charge light flickered a minute before the car conked out).

Next thing you know Nissan will be issuing a recall on the starter. Hmmm...since I replaced my starter last year, my guess is that it takes Nissan three years after my car breaks down, so the starter recall will occur in 2004.

 

They better recall mine. I just had a problem with my alternator that caused smoke to come out of the engine bay and probably could have started a fire if I left it running. It fixed itself but I doubt it is gone forever.

 

hmm well thats not good

 

ne idea how to go about gettin it changed out? i have a 97 .. so just wanna check on it ..

dont think the sc will help tho

 

Is this something where if i took my maxima to the nissan dealer they would replace it w/ a new one?

 

soo if my car burns do i get another??

 

Similar thread in 4th gen forum

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=133140

 

I'm with Dave on this one, should I just go in with my 98 engine and SC?

 

In a recall, they mail you and tell you to bring your car in if your car has the VIN# from the recall batch. Otherwise, they will not repair your car for free.

 

omg my mechanic raped me when he charged $400 for a f*cking alternator last year, that's after he charged me $100 for a battery which he claimed was the cause of the problem, dam i wish i knew it was being recalled

 

$400!! for an Alternator? Ouch you got ripped off. Next time get a second opinion on things. And $100 for a battery, seems steep unless it's a deep cell battery?

Find another local shop.

 

This applies to maximas made from 2/97-2/98. Call into ur local Nissan and they will run ur VIN for you. Mine was made in 11/96 so i dont get a new one.

 

well he ripped me off after the work was done so it's either pay or don't get the car back, but there ain't **** i can do about it now

 

That'd be cheap for Harlem. My friend's 85 Maxima broke down there and an all-nite station wanted $125 for a new battery. My friend was like WTF sell me the battery I'll do it myself. They guy said $80 plus a charge to rent his screwdriver and pliers. My friend called the dude some really nasty names and told him either he wants the money or he doesn't. Isn't it funny how the Jacksons do all the talking? The guy took the $80 even though my friend said some really nasty things right to his face. Actually the battery failed about a month later, and my friend swapped it out under warranty and at that time got a new alternator.

 

i don't get one either mine was made in august 96

 

Not to toot my own horn but Nissan needs to do a recall on the 4th gen sunroofs. The way things connect to each other in there is pretty sad.

 

they should recall the maximas before 97 as well

 

So what if i had just bought and replaced my alternator about 1 and half months ago b/c it started smoking and eventually it died... could i get my money back? Or could i still take my car in and get a BRAND NEW alternator put in cuz i bought a rebuilt used one off a '99 max.

 

Act ignorant and take it in to a dealer, if your VIN, etc. qualifies. No need to reveal history in this case.

 

Thanks Dru for the heads up, I didn't even know there was a recall!!!!

 

Hmmm, i think i will do that =). The only problem is after they take out the alterntor i installed they'll see that its from a '99 maxima because the place i bought it from wrote labled it on the alternator. OH well.. playing dumb can take me far.

 

if it's written on there in marker, you could probably use some brake cleaner, or wd 40 or acetone(nail polish remover) or something like that to clean it off.