Hi All,
I had my 2001 Pathfinder die yesterday with what I'll call the classic symptoms that would point to alternator failure. New battery was installed a few weeks ago and new belts a month or so ago. Radio stopped working shortly before the engine quit and only clicking (dead battery) when trying to restart.
My question: Is there anything else that I should check prior to ordering a new alternator? Blown fuse, etc? I hate to buy and expensive part only to find that it was something else.
The belt doesn't seem loose and I charged the battery overnight so I can start it and see if there're any other obvious culprits. I wasn't driving it when it died so I don't have a first-hand account.
Thanks,
Al
Classic Alternator Failure Symptoms
-
Hawairish
- Posts: 463
- Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2014 1:43 pm
- Car: 2004 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD
- Location: Surprise, AZ
Re: Classic Alternator Failure Symptoms
Yes, check the charging system. There's a fusible link and two other fuses related to the charging system. If it's a fuse, you'll want to go the extra distance to determine why it blew in the fuse place.
If you haven't already, check the FSM for diagnostic troubleshooting...really good resource. Not sure if you have the 2001 or 2001.5 model, but the info is probably the same. See page SC-20 of the FSMs:
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/2001/sc.pdf
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/ ... der/sc.pdf
If you haven't already, check the FSM for diagnostic troubleshooting...really good resource. Not sure if you have the 2001 or 2001.5 model, but the info is probably the same. See page SC-20 of the FSMs:
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/2001/sc.pdf
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/ ... der/sc.pdf
Re: Classic Alternator Failure Symptoms
A simple volt meter will give you a good idea -- especially since it sounds like the alternator allowed the battery to fully discharge.
The alternator should give an output close to 14v -- start turning on accessories and see what happened. I normally just aim the headlights at a garage door -- the lights may momentarily change but they should not dim -- even with everything running.
The one in my 02 died last year. I bought the OE hitachi from a dealer in the midwest -- was about $100.00 more then the cheaper rebuilt. Nissan used two different manufacturers. Be careful what you buy -- they are not all the same.
In my case I went looking for an actual Hitachi rebuilt unit and could not find one in stock. The others may list "hitachi" but that is only pointing to what was in the car -- not that it was actually made by hitachi or rebuilt by them.. They are all rebuilt.
Most of the big box auto places sell junk --- when it comes to alternators and starters. They don;t hold up and the Pathfinders is a pain to replace -- you don't want to do it again.
The alternator should give an output close to 14v -- start turning on accessories and see what happened. I normally just aim the headlights at a garage door -- the lights may momentarily change but they should not dim -- even with everything running.
The one in my 02 died last year. I bought the OE hitachi from a dealer in the midwest -- was about $100.00 more then the cheaper rebuilt. Nissan used two different manufacturers. Be careful what you buy -- they are not all the same.
In my case I went looking for an actual Hitachi rebuilt unit and could not find one in stock. The others may list "hitachi" but that is only pointing to what was in the car -- not that it was actually made by hitachi or rebuilt by them.. They are all rebuilt.
Most of the big box auto places sell junk --- when it comes to alternators and starters. They don;t hold up and the Pathfinders is a pain to replace -- you don't want to do it again.
Re: Classic Alternator Failure Symptoms
Alternator replacement job is a major pain in the a**. I would pay to have it replaced if I had to do it again.
Re: Classic Alternator Failure Symptoms
It was definitely a pain to do, but everything gets easier the second time around.
Re: Classic Alternator Failure Symptoms
Thanks for all the advice. I checked the fuses from the links in the first reply and they were fine. Next, I checked the belt tension and it seemed a bit loose but appeared to be turning all he pulleys. I charged the battery and tightened the belt tension and all appears to be fine now. Probably put about 30+ miles on it since doing that with no problems. It was 0 degrees F +/- a few degrees all weekend so I'm glad I didn't have to change it.
Thinking back, the old battery failed and wouldn't hold a charge. This was after I changed the belts. My guess is that the belt tension wasn't high enough and, as a result, the alternator belt wasn't turning reliably all the time. And, the sudden drop in temperature aggravated the problem by making it harder on the battery and contracting the parts just enough to make the problem less intermittent.
Thinking back, the old battery failed and wouldn't hold a charge. This was after I changed the belts. My guess is that the belt tension wasn't high enough and, as a result, the alternator belt wasn't turning reliably all the time. And, the sudden drop in temperature aggravated the problem by making it harder on the battery and contracting the parts just enough to make the problem less intermittent.