alternator issues?

[klownin93]

I have a 93 Nissan 300zx! I was driving down the road the other day and my battery light brake light abs light and a light that looks like a headlight light came on. Does anyone have any knowledge on what this could be? I sent a text to the guy I bought the car off of and he said he spilled radiator fluid on it while putting in a new radiator. He told me to spray the alternator with break cleaning fluid and turn the key back over and that should fix the problem. It didn't help any and all the lights are still on.

[Ace2cool]

Dead alternator from the sound of it, but have you checked your voltage at the battery when the car is running to be sure?

[klownin93]

I checked it. When the car is running and I put the voltage tester on the cables I get 11.88 but when I put it on the battery post themselves it reads 12.00.

[Ace2cool]

That's a bad alternator or rectifier (one and the same on these cars). Should be reading 14.2 roundabouts. Alternator is commonly failed, though not usually from coolant. More than likely they fail from a leaky power steering pump.

[klownin93]

My power steering fluid does seem a little low but its not making any whining noises or anything. I'm going to replace the alternator tomorrow and check the power steering while I'm at it. Ty I appreciate all the help you have given me between this and my speedo cluster.

[Ace2cool]

Not a problem. A lot of times the PS leak will be slow, but just enough to kill the alt. If that's the case, it's your high pressure hose.

[klownin93]

I'll take a look at it. Make sure its tight and not leaking anywhere. I was under the car today and its all dry and clean. I just bought the car a little over a week ago and I'm determined to get it into the condition it should be in. I think the exhaust is slightly loose and needs a starter in the near future. I also just replaced the carrier bearing.

[Ace2cool]

Usually not a problem with the but being loose. More than likely the hose having a leak.