OK so I have had my SES light on for a while now and I figured it was just the MAF was going bad because I have too much oil in the Injen CAI filter... Then about 5 days ago I notice a whining sound coming from the back of the motor, not extremely loud but I can hear it from the cabin. I get a little time today to look at it and I smell burning rubber from the engine bay, This leads me to think that I have a pulley going bad... So I am driving around today and my car starts idling really rough, dash lights flicker and the car shuts off. So I clean the NEG battery terminal and the car starts right back up with no problem. I go about 5 min down the road and the car does it again. The dome light was dim when I opened the door then i go to start the car again and it just clicks. I sit for a couple minutes and it starts up fine again and I drive 10 min back to my house with no problems.... I'm lost here fellas. Could a bad MAF cause all this???? Could it be a bad alternator causing the whining sound and the cut outs?

 

What code is it giving you?

 

Yeah, check the codes first. It sounds like your alternator just bit the dust though.

 

going to get that checked in a few minutes. haven't had a chance yet

 

Burnt rubber smell might be a dead/tore up belt. This could also have a relation with the whine sound.

Typically when your alternator goes, the battery light is illuminated.

Maybe your alternator belt slipped/got torn up?

Check the passenger side of the engine for any obvious signs.

 

alright guys, I went and just got the battery checked and it was totally dead. I just bit it and bought an optima red top. Put it on and started the car and it cranked fast... but the stupid battery light is illuminated also. Checked the belt and it was on but a little glossy. Reguardless it should still charge right?
What is the cheapest anybod has seen an alternator? and where?
Oh yea, When you start the car then pull off the positive terminal it should still run if the alternator is working right? I did this and the car shut right off.

 

Sounds like you need an alternator.
AutoZone has them for ~ 150.

Check these places.
www.pinnaclenissan.com
www.thepartsbin.com

 

If you do decide to buy the alternator from autozone, ask for the Maxima one, it's cheaper. Everywhere else gave me the same part number for the I and the Max, only autozone have 2 different part numbers. I bought the Max one, looks 100% identical to the I's it replaced, same specs, been using it for 2 months now.

I wonder if that's what's causing my stalling issue. Highly doubt it though.

 

I found a rebuilt on ebay for $80 bucks and it has a 1 year warranty. I think I might do that.

 

FYI, AutoZone has a lifetime warranty.

 

Maxima alternator produces less amps than the I30 alternator.

 

Shouldn't it be the same? I checked many places before I made the purchase, they all say 110 amps.

 

There are a few options if you will.

The GLE & I30 units are the same output, whereas the SE & GXE are the same units.

 

aaahhh that makes sense. More options on GLE and I30? (power options)

 

Does that apply to the 2000 model? I called at least 10 places when I was shopping around, none of them asked me what trim's my car, but I did ask for price and amperage for the I and the Max.

What should the GLE/I30's amperage be? If it is different, then maybe it is the alternator causing my 2000 to stall every once a while, it only happens within the first minute of a COLD start.

 

Oh btw Weeble1, check your alternator belt tensioner bolt, it might be loose or broken, it would cause the alternator to charge less effectively, and weird noises.

 

oh right on, I didn't even think about that. The belt looked tight but I'll look.

 

It does not apply on the 2000+... Both are 110.

The A32 I30 has a 125 where as the A32 Maxima got the 110.

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I was not sure if you were talking about your 2000 or your 98.

 

Oh hehe, I should of been more specific. Thanks for clarifying.

 

about the whining you mention check the belt tensioner pulley that very same problem happen to my on the max i used to have and it did the same thing the rubber burnt smell its because the belt its sliding on a pulley that its not moving the lights flicking because the belt its not turning the alternator fast enough
thats why i want to change it on my recently bough I30t because the other day when i started the car i heard the noise

this is the part you can get it at courtesy nissan
http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...de=11925-ACPUL

 

here is another link with info on same situation

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=506182

 

Thanks for the info. It ended up being the alternator going bad.