97 q45 power problem.... alternator????

[djerok]

I just purchased a 97 q45 a few months ago. i always noticed that when i roll up all the windows at the same time and keep my finger on the buttons, the interior lights and the headlights lights briefly dimm. Lately when i go to roll up all the windows , unless my foot is on the gas, the lights will dim completely and the car will start to stall. i also noticed that my headlights are strobing (briefly dimming) every single time i step on the brake. i'm hoping that this is just my alternator and not some crazy electircal issue. If anyone has any input, please repost. tomorrow i will hop on the motorcycle and go seek out a new alternator. Let me know if this is the best bet... also, where is the alternator in the q and is it something that you would recommend me attempting to swap out myself. thank you all very much..

[Q451990]

I think I would test or have the battery tested first... do you have service records to tell you when it was last replaced? If you have to replace your alternator, you will have the best long term results using an OEM - i would get one from Joe at http://www.everythinginfiniti.com

Heath

[Q451990]

I would also check to see if your car is included in this recall - and see if it has been completed. Any dealership should be able to check the service history by looking it up by VIN.

Good luck!

Heath

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 02V171000 - Hide Details Recall Date: 06/24/2002 Component: 1997 INFINITI Q45 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR Potential Units Affected: 161000 1997 INFINITI Q45 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATORRecall Date: 06/24/2002

Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.

Consequence: IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Potential Units Affected: 161000

Notes: INFINITI Q45

[Q451990]

Here's a link to view the actual recall TSB:

http://www.infinitihelp.com/Ow...3.htm

[djerok]

i tested the alternator with a battery charger / alternator tester and it passed all tests (load, no load). Battery also checked out fine, but now in the daytime i noticed that my terminals were very heavily corroded. I cleaned them with vinegar and sanded all corosion off (there was a ton built up inside the inner ring) and so far so good. My problem with the window buttons is not happening anymore. seems like everything is ok.