loosing battery power

[NY_Pito_NY]

i just installed a new alternator....and a new battery...i registered at 14 volts..it lasted a day or two now it went down to 12 volts...and a slight hind of the battery icon on the dash board is beggining to light up...what could be the problem...could be drsining the power...shouldnt thd alternator help with the recharge of the battery...???? Please.snyone have any ideas.

[yodawill2000]

With the engine running what does the volt meter show between the pos and neg terminal ?

[driverdriver]

Did you install an OEM alternator or some aftermarket unit? Alternators and sparkplugs in this car have to be OEM Nissan units. Aftermarket ones are known to cause all sorts of weird issues like what you're describing.

[NY_Pito_NY]

I will check with the volt meter what it reads....snd yes i used an aftermarket alternator...not even a week in the car. I came to work today withproblems..i had to turn off the heater to conserve energy...the lights on the dash coming on ...break light and battery light came on....slipped into neutral while at a traffic light. Made it to work and parked. I decided to restart the car....click click cluck..no power...ooo mzn im going to need a jump after work

[fourdrinie]

http://www.aa1car.com/library/battery_runs_down.htm

[J30tChumpCar]

The other day I put a aftermarket alt in a newer maxima and had the alt/brake light flashing a day later and intermittent charge, after chasing my tail inspecting the sub harness for the alt I discovered it was not clicked fully down even though the day before I was sure I had everything right.. Just saying recheck yourself and everything that was touched as you never know.

[NY_Pito_NY]

thank you i will check the harness for the alternator...It died again today...lights started flashing...first the battery light came on then the abs light came on...then the airbag light came on...what the hell...im going to buy the volt meter tomorrow at sears..there is got to be a solution to this..

[J30tChumpCar]

Get the cheapest meter as thats all you need to get the job done. All the lights coming on is indication of improper voltage, although, if the car failed to start after the abs/airbag lights it can be assumed it was low voltage. Check all connections at the alt and battery.

[wingFeather]

What brand name is on the OEM unit? I'll be looking for one in the junkyards & want to make sure I don't get a dud.

[driverdriver]

It says Nissan (embossed small). You may be better off buying a factory rebuilt OEM unit. Not that expensive and they last a long time.

[wingFeather]

Where might I find an OEM rebuild? Everyone seems to carry off-brands but no OEM.

Also - and perhaps this is a coincidence, but right around the time I started having voltage issues, there was a loud noise akin to dry bearings grinding to death. I thought this grinding was something in the alternator that was failing, but it turned out to be the tensioner/pulley on the air conditioning belt side. Replaced it & the noise is gone... and so is my voltage issue. Anyone else experience this (or can explain)??? This j30 is turning out to defy everything I know about engineering!

[driverdriver]

Nissan delaers carry both new and OEM rebuilds. Best place to get em. Avoid Infiniti dealers, for the exact same part they want another $20.

[wingFeather]

Well, new alternator didn't change a thing. Any other ideas? The alternator fuse is not blown & has voltage across it. Is there a relay somewhere? I get continuity along the main wire from the alternator to the fuse box. I guess I'll tinker with the fusible links tomorrow.

[wingFeather]

i just installed a new alternator....and a new battery...i registered at 14 volts..it lasted a day or two now it went down to 12 volts...and a slight hind of the battery icon on the dash board is beggining to light up...what could be the problem...could be drsining the power...shouldnt thd alternator help with the recharge of the battery...???? Please.snyone have any ideas.

Here is a $500 piece of advice I wish I had earlier: clean the nut/bolt connection inside the engine compartment fuse box. It deceptively looks like a bolt holding down the fuse box, but its the main power point from the alternator. It may be tight & look clean when assembled, but its probably not making total contact due to a thin film of metal electrolysis.

I took mine apart, sanded it, tightened it down... and VIOLA no more electrical problems. Perfectly running car. Many things have now come back to life. My alarm system even works now!!!

Wish I had known this before buying a new alternator...

[yodawill2000]

VERY good thing to know !!
Perhaps cleaning and some Dielectric grease is on my list.

[NY_Pito_NY]

well... i went to the junk yard and bought a used oem alternator...I will try cleaning the bolt like u you said tomorrow.