Ask the Car People.SM


It has to be my alternator, right? - READ ONLY

21 messages,  Last post on Aug 03, 2003 at 8:09 PM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair - Archived Discussions Forum.

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the M&R Host for directions! discussion.

What is this discussion about? Nissan 200SX, Nissan Sentra, Electrical, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 3

#12 of 21 mmx6 by tblazer503

Jul 16, 2003 (4:18 am)

all I am saying is that when computer components go bad, they sometimes get sparatic, like the alarm that starts going off w/ temperature changes, or the fuel pump that intermittently cuts out towards the end of it's life.
 
Easy way to check would be to remove the fuse from the keyless entry for a day or two and see if it still acts up. It is troublesome, but your power locks are still functional, and that should give you a go/no go on the keyless entry being the culprit. I have had alarms do this from a bad relay in the unit that was not holding correctly(from what I could figure)...
 
Of course, it could very well be the alternator, try changing it again and see if the problems continue. if they do, then it is your alternator, if not(and you didn't have a warranty), you spent money you didn't need to.
 
good luck

#13 of 21 Battery Light? Alternator Problem? by mjohns7861

Jul 20, 2003 (8:30 pm)

Just replaced my battery on my Chevy Malibu 99 LS two weeks ago and the battery light on my dash keeps coming on about 5 minutes after I turn the ignition. What could this be? Alternator? Have not picked up any other symptons other than the battery light coming on.
 
Magnus

#14 of 21 loose fan belt is also possible by swschrad

Jul 20, 2003 (8:51 pm)

as is low idle, finicky computer, advanced stages of decomposition, international plots, etc.
 
you need to have a battery/alternator test done with a testset by a mechanic to see whether you have alternator problems, or something else. while he's fiddling with the machine with the hood open, he should notice if there are problems with the drive belt that need to be corrected before he can diagnose the rest of the system.

#15 of 21 by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Jul 21, 2003 (7:47 am)

Probably a cranky alternator, yes, but do check the fan belt tension.

#16 of 21 Problems with my 2001 Sentra by mswit310

Jul 21, 2003 (1:11 pm)

I have recently experienced multiple problems with my semi-new car. It is a 2001 with about 60,000 miles. I take very good care of the car.
 
I have only had the car for about a year and already had to put a huge amount of money into it. I have tried to contact Nissan headquarters since it does not seem right that a newer car had so many problems.
 
My car broke down twice, so I took it in to the dealership thinking there were recalls. The crank and cam sensors were under warrantee, but that did not fix the problem. Basically, I had to replace 4 oxygen sensors, and the air filtration system. The other problem is that the entire bottom of my car was rusted making the repair alot more difficult. Even though they managed to fix the car without destroying the exhaust system, I still feel that that problem will only just worsen, causing another huge investment in a few months/years.
 
Do you think these problems are normal to a fairly new car? Even my mechanic said this was ridiculous for a new car. I looked on carfax.com and found no major problems (ie. lemon, flood). I just don't think this is fair and has really reduced my image of the car. Has anyone experience similar problems? Or should I keep fighting to find the root of the problem?

#17 of 21 by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Jul 21, 2003 (4:37 pm)

mswit--this really isn't the right topic for the question, so you might want to find one for Nissan problems in particular, or start your own topic.
 
Host

#18 of 21 Update by mjohns7861

Jul 21, 2003 (5:29 pm)

Car died on me today. Homeless man and a co-worker driving by helped me push my '99 Malibu to curb on a busy intersection.
 
Under duress, decided to get my car towed to Chevy dealership rather than a independent shop. Mistake. $506 for a new alternator! $349 for the part and rest on labor. Unbelievable! Is this going rate? Think I got ripped off based on other people I have talked to. Are alternator's this expensive? The salesman touted the lifetime warranty I was getting repeatedly.
 
Magnus

#19 of 21 well, when/if mine goes, I expect a wire-brushing at the cashier desk by swschrad

Jul 21, 2003 (6:44 pm)

ford alternators in the present generation include a regulator that is tied to the engine computer. if you hammer the gas pedal, and the computer can't load-shed enough by shutting down the a/c and downshifting the tranny to meet the revs, it will start cutting back the alternator output as well to shed load.
 
that is not going to be a $39.95 rebuilt, particularly when you consider I have about as big an alternator as ford offers in my trailering package.
 
have not priced one, my meds do > NOT < include 2-ounce valium pills. for now, I'm enjoying the unlimited power...
 
remember, it's only a lifetime warranty if you also die when you realize the replacement part died......

#20 of 21 alternator lite by vidtech

Aug 02, 2003 (4:11 pm)

i believe my alternator is on its last breath on my 86 t bird.the alternator lite has started coming on only when in gear waiting at a light but goes out when the engine speed is increased.is there a chance that the regulator could do this?i would appreciate any comments.

#21 of 21 by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Aug 03, 2003 (8:09 pm)

I would check your battery (load test and fluid level) and battery cables and fan belt tension before doing anything else.
 
How old is that battery. Over 4 years, it's time anyway.

Messages Page 3 of 3

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement