Can anybody help me find the correct alternator for a '98 Q45

[Q45BOB]

The one I took out of the car has 3 prongs for the wiring harness and the wiring harness plug has 3 wires. But everybody keeps trying to sell me an alternator with 2 prongs.

[3Q Jay]

call one of our sponsors for OEM inifiniti parts. on the FY33 the alternator is not difficult, but why hassel with aftermarket junk?

does the one you pulled have the nissan 'hamburger' logo on it?

[Q45BOB]

Yes the one I pulled out of the car has the Nissan "hamburger" logo. But so does the "aftermarket" rebuilt one. I absolutely agree an alternator should be no hassle. Any thoughts why there is such a problem finding the correct part? Why are there even 2 different alternators if there is only one engine in this car? I'm stumped.

[maxnix]

Get the OEM rebuilt from Joe. The third party aftermarket used an old Nissan alternator, but who knows how much of it was replaced to what standards, or with which components?

[Q451990]

You might also check to make sure your alternator was replaced in the recall. Click the link to see if your Q was in the VIN range for the recall, then check your service records (or with a dealership if you don't have them) to see if it was done.

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

If not, you may be able to get a new OEM one installed at the dealership.

If you do end up buying one... go ahead and get the OEM rebuilt one. We see continuing failures for other aftermarket rebuilds. The OEM units are rebuilt with all new parts. The aftermarket rebuilders usually just "fix what's broke", clean them up, and sell them.

Heath

[Q45BOB]

Finally found the answer to my question. After talking with an OEM sponsor for this site and two Infiniti parts departments, I found the answer to my question at my local AutoZone store.

AutoZone had a Tech Bulletin for the '98 Q45 alternator that said the 3rd wire on my wiring harness was on there for "possible future use" and was never used on the '98 Q45. In fact, it was never used on a number of late model Nissan or Infiniti vehicles and the 3rd prong on the alternator wiring harness plug was eventually eliminated.

It amazes me that none of the "Infiniti experts" were aware of this. Especially in light of the fact that Infiniti had a recall on this particular alternator.

Thank you, AutoZone.

p.s. Installed the AutoZone alternator and my Q is running great.

[Q45tech]

Well that Azone statement proves they are selling a non oem alternator and one jury rigged to fit.

Wish you lots of luck.................we've had 10 years of experience with customers coming in with failed azone alternators.

Please report back after 12 months and prove me wrong.

I've outlooked my calender to remember 12 months from today.

[maxnix]

It amazes me that none of the "Infiniti experts" were aware of this. Especially in light of the fact that Infiniti had a recall on this particular alternator.

The recall was for 1997 MY.