So as part of my worst day ever, my car decideds to die on me. When I started my car in the morning, it was definatly a weak start, but the car still ran. After about 1 hour of driving, my radio started to cut in and out. For some reason it seemed mostly while I was in 1-3 gear. I parked my car and then had to drive again like 10 minutes later, but the car wouldnt start. When I tried to start it, it sounded really weak as if it were trying to start, but then woudlnt. So I had to get towed from Maryland to Delaware...here are my questions...

1. I think it's my alternator, but im not sure. What do you think? Could it possibly be my battery?

2. How much would it cost to get a new alternator and to have it put in? I would like to do it myself, but I never have and I need my car ASAP for work. The guy at an auto parts store said teh alternator would be about $300.

I had my car towed to the Nissan dealership by me...can anyone please help with any input.,..thanks

 

I got a Alternator from autozone for about 150-200 dollars with a lifetime warrenty. The install is not too hard.
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/500

 

I had the same problems a while ago, it turned out to be the alternator.
I got one from NAPA for an I30 because it had 130 amps to make up for all the power features.

I was told the GXE's have an 80 amp alternator.
SE's and GLE are 100 amps
and the I30 was 130 amps
again because of the power features

I also was looking at the screen when he was telling me this, can someone confirm this?

 

all you have to do is try a good battery on it, start it up & put a meter across batt terminals. check the voltage reading. it should be no lower than 13.8 volts. if its reading from 10-13 then its undercharging. have the battery thats on it checked as well. i have come across ones over the years that have been overcharging at around 19-20 volts & fried the battery.

 

Total cost including the alternator will probably be $300-400.... at an independent mechanic. More at a dealer.

 

i just called nissan and it will be $460 with a 12 month warranty on it. The only thing that sucks for me is i need my car fixed today because of work. I would like to do it myself, but since it would be my 1st time with an alternator and i dont have the time today, im going to have to take it to the dealership.

Q. is it normal for a 97 SE with 80k miles to have the alternator go now?

 

Alternator is a one to two hour job. I did mine myself. Get the Bosch alternator from Autozone/Advanced Auto/O'reillys/whatever as it comes with a lifetime warranty and is not a rebuilt alternator like what the dealers use.

 

The first mistake you made was getting your car towed to the dealer because it will cost more to fix there than anywhere else. There are a million places you could have gone to but that is water under the bridge. I doubt that you want to incur the cost and aggravation of another tow job.

Your car is eight, going on 9 years old. I have a 95SE that I've owned since new. I replaced the battery two years ago, but to date have had no problems with the alternator or starter. My car has less than 59 K on it but its two years older than yours. It strikes me that your alternator should have lasted longer than it has but if its shot there isn't anything you can do about it.

You don't need a new alternator; a rebuilt alternator will suffice.

On second thought, you might want to check around the area where the car is now. You might be able to pay for another tow job and still come out a lower in cost than what the stealership will nail you.

 

Got one for $160 at Autozone in December w/ lifetime. Forget the 12 month the stealership includes.

Also, it does seem a bit early to have gone out, mine went out in Dec with 141k, but each ride has its own.

 

I30's have a 125 amp as do some maximas. i got my alternator off ebay for 40 bux with a one year warantee and had it next day aired to me for a total or 90 bux.

 

age & mileage have got nothing to do with it. i have put new alts on 1 week old cars. its the look of the draw really.

 

wasn't there a recall on max alternators of certain years?

 

Only 97s IIRC.

 

Campaign R2010 applies to 1997 and 1998 years depending on your VIN. If it applies to yours and you already paid for repairs, Nissan may reimburse you for it. This campaign is from 7/2002. Try Consumer Affairs at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
Maybe you'll WIN 1!--Hope this helps---RDW

 

thanks for the help. I had to tow it to the dealership because I am living in delaware jsut for the summer, and im not familiar with other shops around here. And since I need my car fixed today, i decided to play it safe and have it towed there. I know they charge more and stuff, but I need it done today because of work.

 

well nissan called me today and tells me i need a new battery, alternator, and tension belt...wtf is this...i thought max's are supposed to be reliable. I have 80k miles on my car now, and i already dropped $1500 on my diff. bearings and now its gonna be another $1000 for my bat, alt, and tension belt... someone help me

 

Telling ya, the stealership, my battery died as well because of the Alternator going out but a quick jump after the replacement and the battery has been fine since. Sorry man, if you cannot find another person with a better knowledge I.E. wont screw you up the **** for the money, good luck with the stealership.

Edit - dont worry though, ive had my "experience" with them as well and got **** f'd outta cash, but that only helps you to see even more evil in them. I got my front axles replaced for $500 with help yet the stealership tried to charge about $1200, I also got a new, better sound system for about a grand less than they quoted to fix the Bose system. Avoid at any costs!