Electrical Issue Diagnosis

[chiapetchua01]

Hey Guys,

My 2009 altima 2.5 has been in the s*** the past few weeks.
Today, the car would not start at all. When I hopped in and pressed the start button, the car wouldn't start. When i tried a few more times, the only thing that happened when I pressed the start button (while brake was pressed) was the map lights would turn on. While the map light work, many of the other electrical components were dead (car seat adjustments did not work, door would not lock).
So I jumped the car and as soon as I placed the jumper cables on my car and turned it on, the car turned on like nothing happen.

Now here's the kicker. My service engine light turned on (first time ever).
I got home and checked my battery cables to make sure they weren't lose.
When I tried to turn it on again, the same thing happen.

Any ideas? I'm thinking the alternator, but if it was the alternator, shouldn't the jumping time take a little bit (i.e. leave the jumping car on for a while before attempting to start my car to give my battery some juice).

[Throckmorton]

Replace the battery. Your battery is the problem, not the alternator. If your alternator is not charging, the Charge Warning light in your dash will illuminate, as described in the Owners Manual, page 2-10 Instruments and controls section.

[AlexN09]

The battery is dead.

[chiapetchua01]

I'll bring my battery in for testing.

I'll update later on.

Thanks!

[DJ_B_Easy]

Don't pay someone to test it, just invest in a cheap volt meter.

[mmkeller]

Sears checked mine for free, volts were good but the amps not so much. This was 3 years ago.

[chiapetchua01]

Took it to NAPA.
Guy said it was fully charged and fine.
Should I try taking it to somewhere else to check?

[stevewaclo]

How goes it?

"Now here's the kicker. My service engine light turned on (first time ever).
I got home and checked my battery cables to make sure they weren't lose. "

As others have observed, this issue is screaming battery.

Have you done an OBD/MIL check?

Just replaced the battery in my '08 3.5 at first sign of an issue. I'd say you are due.

Sometimes cables will fail up inside the insulation, where it can't be seen, but usually there will be obvious corrosion at the terminals.

Suspect you went for a new battery by now.

Best wishes