QX4 Electrical Issue - Dashboard lights up like xmas tree!

[dougdude]

Ok, I had an issue with my 2001 Infiniti QX4 (45,000 miles) where the ABS, battery, oil/temp, and I believe the brake light would come on while driving. When the lights would come on, the stereo speakers in the front would cut out and only the ones in the back of the qx4 would work. As soon as the lights would go off, the speakers in the front would come back on, so I know the prob with the stereo is directly related to the issue with all the dashboard lights coming on. Sometimes these lights would come on while just cruising at 35mph, but most of the time they would come on during moderate to hard acceleration or when turning a corner. This made me think there was some type of electrical short. Also I want to mention the ABS light would normally come on first for about 1-2 seconds then the others would follow. Sometimes they would stay on for several minutes and other times they would only stay on for several seconds and sometimes cutting in and out.

I took it to an Infiniti dealer a few days ago and they are almost certain it was due to a power steering fluid leak that was leaking directly onto the alternator causing sometype of mess with the voltage flow. They fixed the leak and I picked the car up yesterday. While driving home, the lights didn't come on, but the stereo speakers in the front cut out twice, but only for a second each time. This morning I drove it pretty hard into work and no problems with the lights or the stereo.

My question is that is it possible there was still some power steering fluid in or around the alternator after I picked it up causing those speakers to cut out for a second due to voltage probs? Also, does it make sense that the power steering fluid leaking on the alternator caused this in the first place? I just want to make sure this issue is fixed as I'm getting ready to replace the stereo and don't want to blow up a new stereo with an electrical issue.

Any suggestios, comments, things to check, etc. would be appreciated!

2001 Infiniti QX445,000 milesKansas City, MO

Thanks,Doug Dudenhoeffer

[Q45tech]

The most common mode of alternator failure [especially Lexus] is power steering fluid leaks......our Q have alternator on opposite side or on top center away from PS pump and flex lines.

Every car brand has power steering leaks beause the fluid is not changed annually.......after 4-6 years.45,000 miles is unusally young to have a leak possibly the hose clamps were not tighten frequently enough.

Try to figure out a way to have them change the alternator before 4/60k as the fluid will have decreased its potential life!

Are you not visiting dealer every 90 days [oil change] so they can examine things and catch them before they cause problems?

[dougdude]

No, I go as scheduled... I'm very good about doing regular maintenance. The car had been in a wreck and had to be repaired, so I wonder if the clamps just weren't tightened. Since the wreck I took it into infiniti and they found the leak onto the alternator.

So, you are saying that it definitely could have been the power steering fluid leaking onto the alternator?

Also, you think the alternator might have been damaged from this?

One last thing, when an alternator goes out, can it damage anything that runs on electricity... meaning could it damage my new stereo I'm getting ready to put in?

Thanks again!Doug

[dougdude]

Darn!!!

I just drove it home for lunch and those lights came on and the stereo cut to only the back speakers. Should I assume the power steering leak onto the alternator was not the issue??? Or is it possible there is still some fluid in the alternator? Or is the alternator just messed up now? How much are alternators? Maybe I should just have them put a new one in???

Doug

[dougdude]

Anybody have any ideas what this could be. I took the car by autozone and they tested the alternator and battery. Both checkout ok.

I'm thinking of putting a match in the gas tank and starting the car!

[Q45tech]

AS SCHEDULED is every 90 days.........as 99% of US is severe service!

Wreck repaired by Infiniti or a body shop?

Have the dealer check the alternator when the lights go wild obviously it is ok when the lights are normal.........could be a lose connection/fuse socket in the alternator sense [field coil] line.

[dougdude]

repaired by hendrick auto which cwas recommended by infiniti. Hendrick repairs mostly luxury cars... lexus, bmw, porsche, saab, etc. They did a good job!

Problem with having infiniti look at the alternator while the lights are going wild is actually getting the car there when they are. when they come on, they aren't on for long... by the time i get to the dealer, they would be off.

They tell me they fixed the problem. I told them "well, I'm still getting those lights." They act like it is because there is still fluid on or in the alternator.

I was thinking about just getting a new alternator, but I would hate to spend that money and it be something else.

doug