'94 J30t Battery/Alternator Problems

[xms]

Hey guys, I've owned my J since Sept 08 and over the past couple of weeks, I noticed the check engine/battery lights flicker on and off while driving. Finally one morning, battery died.

I took the battery to an auto-parts store to have it checked and the test concluded with "Battery Cells Bad." So I bought a new battery, installed it, and it started up just fine. Not even two days later, battery was dying and all sorts of warning lights flickered (including the HICAS light). It is completely dead now. I figured the alternator must be faulty.

Been doing some online research to see if this is a common issue, but with little success. What do you guys think? Does the alternator need replacing? Possible power steering issue involved?

Check out my ride

[coolyun_98]

do you have any modification on the electronics?if no, i believe it is the alternatorif yes, i will seach for current leak

[xms]

No mods that I'm aware of. Bought it from an auction.

Update: I took the new battery that died to the auto-parts store for testing/recharge. Results read "Battery Cells Bad" also! They gave me another new battery.

Do you think the alternator is draining the battery??

[j30t_Dan]

I am having the same issues. Your car is beautiful

[driverdriver]

Pull any codes of your ECU. It will narrow down the problem.

Test your alternator. Do you know if the alternator you have is either an aftermarket one or OEM?

If you need a new alternator, get a Nissan OEM remanufactured or new unit. Aftermarket alternators on the whole don't last or work well with the car (There have been one or two rare exceptions in the whole history of this board).

[xms]

I am having the same issues. Your car is beautiful

Thanks Dan, keep us posted with your resolution.

Pull any codes of your ECU. It will narrow down the problem.

Test your alternator. Do you know if the alternator you have is either an aftermarket one or OEM?

If you need a new alternator, get a Nissan OEM remanufactured or new unit. Aftermarket alternators on the whole don't last or work well with the car (There have been one or two rare exceptions in the whole history of this board).

I'll do my best in retrieving an OEM unit. I just pulled the undercover off and I see the alternator. It looks like it took a bath in some kind of fluid. I'll update shortly after I get the alt out.

[Victor]

To remove the alternator you are going to first have to remove the power steering belt and air conditioner belt. I have a 94 J30T too, and my power steering pump seemed to be frozen in place, making it difficult to remove the power steering pump belt. Please let me know if you had any problems moving your power steering pump after you loosened the adjustment bolt. Were there any hidden bolts or ticks to it? Thanks, Victor

[infinitij301995]

i've had the same problem but i also have power steering issues could these power steering issues be causing my battery to die?

[yodawill2000]

Nothing electrical in the power steering.

Only if the pump is spraying the alternator with fluid can I see a connection.

[j30t_Dan]

Check your terminals. I replaces my pos. terminal along with the battery and things are all better.

[xms]

Ok guys, I have an update. After no success in figuring out how to make space to remove the alternator, a friend of mine (mechanic) removed it for me in flash (like 30 minutes). I took the alternator to O'Reilly's and bought a new alternator. I think it's an O'Reilly's remanufactured alt. Brought it back home and he installed in, in no time.

Everything is running perfect now. Terminals were in good shape too. Thanks for all the help guys!