G37S Alternator Died after 55k km

The G-Series Tuning Forum is the place to discuss G35/G37 performance modifications and mechanical repair.
mkotik
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 18, 2021 12:23 pm
Car: 2011 Infiniti G37 S Convertible

Post

My 2011 G37S died today. 10 years old but only 55k km.
Does it make sense? Seems like extremely early dead to me...
Thanks.


User avatar
VStar650CL
Technical Expert
Posts: 8291
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 1:25 pm
Car: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Post

Are you sure it's a dead alternator and not the "smart charging" being stupid?

mkotik
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 18, 2021 12:23 pm
Car: 2011 Infiniti G37 S Convertible

Post

I don't even know what you mean:)

That's what they told me at the auto shop.

User avatar
VStar650CL
Technical Expert
Posts: 8291
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 1:25 pm
Car: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Post

Your ride has an alternator controlled externally by the BCM via the IPDM, it doesn't use internal regulation. Those "smart" external systems are infamous for stupid behavior that ruins batteries from chronic under-charging. If the alternator has low output and not no output, they need to check it.

Not that the alternator couldn't have gone bad, the sort of bushings used in alternator construction are usually just as unhappy with disuse as lots of use. With 5K miles a year, you may find issues with various other seals and bearings as time goes on.

User avatar
audtatious
Moderator
Posts: 37008
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 5:31 pm
Car: 2017 Q60 Red Sport. Gone: 2014 Q50s, 2008 G37s coupe, 2007 G35s Sedan, 2002 Maxima SE, 2000 Villager Estate (Quest), 1998 Quest, 1996 Sentra GXE
Location: Stalking You
Contact:

Post

I had the alternator go out in my '07 G35s but not until it had hit 8 years old and 125k miles. The alternator in my '08 G37s never failed (had it 9 years and 85k miles) nor my current '14 Q50s (7 years old @ 80k miles). What does that mean? Well, nothing really. Alternators are simply not a component that is known to fail often in these vehicles, but obviously they can. Try to get a new alternator vs. re-manufactured if you can. VStar makes a great point as to validating it's actually the alternator with the issue, when mine failed it was easy to determine as I was on the highway when the car went into "bingo" mode due to lack of charging and the eventual test of the alternator showed it croaked.

Your car is 10 years old, you will eventually start to have things need replacement that are above "normal". It's why I usually don't keep cars for more than 7 years, in the case of the G37s coupe, it takes Infiniti way too long to release new designs so I had to wait a bit longer.


Return to “G35 and G37 Engine, Drivetrain & Tuning”