Battery or alternator problem? What are the syntoms of bad alternator?

[JDMSIL80]

My car died on me yesterday while driving.

The stereo shut off itself at the beginning, shortly after the gauges light got dimmer, then the dash board light shuts down and the car died and roll to a stop. It wouldn't crank up so I thought it's electrical problem, I found someone to jump start my car. The battery had very little power left, we had to charge it up for about 10mins just to get my car cranked up again. I was lucky to make it back home, then recharge my battery again. I was able to recharge the battery to full, according to the charger.

However, this morning on the way to work. My stereo suddenly again shut off during driving, so I knew the car is going to die on me soon. I managed to drive it back home and now I'm thinking whether it is really the battery problem, or actually the alternator. Can someone shed some light on this issue??

Thanks!

[mrzabala]

It could be your battery is starting to die out and suck out all the life. Also the alternator will be your third option to deal with. I can check out the specifics for you but its basically, check for any error codes, fuses and bad ground on the battery. If theres no problem, go to the battery and get a new proper battery for the 240. Make sure to clean the terminals on the positive and negative with wire brush and bakin soda. If theres still a problem, take out the alternator and take it to an autoparts store. They may have a diagnose tool to check it or not. But Either get one from a junk yard or go ahead and buy a new one so you dont have to worry about a used one dieing on you again.

[rico05]

Go to the parts store. They have an on car diagnostics device than can check both the batt and the alternator. Easy as pie.

Sounds like an alternator issue to me.

[mrzabala]

hey rico, I finally got a chance to check out your site. Thanks for the CA FSM and the parts list.

[JDMSIL80]

Does anyone know the part number for a new alternator for RWD CA motor? Is there a cross-reference number with US/Canada parts?

[rico05]

Last discussion I read was the only option for a bad RWD alternator is to get it rebuilt. Should be less than $100 and take a few hours.

[rico05]

hey rico, I finally got a chance to check out your site. Thanks for the CA FSM and the parts list.

Glad to help!

[adam-gtX]

to test it couldnt u just disconnect the battery when the car is on to see if the alt will hold it?

[JDMSIL80]

I'm pretty sure Nissan Japan still carry the RWD alternator right? because my shop could order JDM parts, just a matter of time to ship here.

Last discussion I read was the only option for a bad RWD alternator is to get it rebuilt. Should be less than $100 and take a few hours.

[rico05]

Well, then you are a unique case. I'm sure you could get one from abraod, but for the rest of us who don't have the connections, a rebuild is the only option.

[rico05]

to test it couldnt u just disconnect the battery when the car is on to see if the alt will hold it?

Why not just go get a free test? That way, even if it keeps the car running, you can be 100% sure the condition of the alternator. Seriously, I had the test done a few weeks back, and it took a whopping 3 minutes.

[Not_a_sr]

sounds like a bad alternator. have them both checked its free. the car will normally run very weakly with out the battery, mine never would run for long.

you can use a SOHC Ka alternator, you just have to figure out how to make it fit the tensioner bracket. for me it involved grinding on the ear where the tensioner bracket is, then welding a nut on to the tensioner rod and puting it behind the ear and running a bolt into that. this broke bolts like crazy and shredded a few belts, and cracked my water pump. now i rock a CA18det alt, and have a spare to rebuild.

[mbmbmb23]

Ditto

[ca18datsun510]

have a volt meter? good alt should put out around 14 volts.

[ca18datsun510]

to test it couldnt u just disconnect the battery when the car is on to see if the alt will hold it?

that can cause a power surge and ruin electronics.

[float_6969]

I'd just take it down to the parts store. They can test it for free. But if you're wanting to check it yourself, I'd check for output voltage at the alt and get 14v. If you're getting much less, the alt's on the way out. From what you're describing, I think it's the alt as well, but from my experience, it's a long process for the alt to go out, and generally takes the battery with it.

I'd plan on an alt rebuild and a new battery.

[biosehnsucht]

hey rico, I finally got a chance to check out your site. Thanks for the CA FSM and the parts list.

I've had AutoZone tell me that perfectly good alternators and starters are dead..

[rico05]

And I have had O'Reilly tell me a dead battery was good. Like cancer and new glasses, get a second opnion...

[Not_a_sr]

+1

I'd just take it down to the parts store. They can test it for free. But if you're wanting to check it yourself, I'd check for output voltage at the alt and get 14v. If you're getting much less, the alt's on the way out. From what you're describing, I think it's the alt as well, but from my experience, it's a long process for the alt to go out, and generally takes the battery with it.

I'd plan on an alt rebuild and a new battery.

[Secret squirrel]

ahh...this is why i love my matco multimeter....in less then 1 minute i can check power output, ground side, control side and battery....

now would be a great time to learn how to use one....electricity is a beautiful thing.

SS

[Not_a_sr]

except when using my 3phase bridgeport after a heavy rain, damn thing will light you up good...