Stop Light Inoperative - Came on all of a sudden.....

[gemtwin115]

Don't know how or why, the upper lamp is functioning fine. For all intents, everything seems ok. But, the indicatior is on and I'm wondering if there is another more serious problem going on.

[AlabamaDan]

It means one of your brake lights is out or going out. Sometimes a bulb may appear to work but be going bad. Do you have an aftermarket bulb anywhere? I've heard those cause problems.

I'd go through all my brake lights looking at the bulbs and sockets. Make sure everything is clean and tight.

If that doesn't work, try disconnecting the neg battery cable for a few mins to reset the computer.

Might try the search feature to find more intellectual responses. This has come up in the past.

[gemtwin115]

I'll give it a shot this weekend, review all lights and switches. Thanks for the info. I love my car. Need a new alternator though. Mechanic says its charging at a 12 and it should be charging at 14. Stranded my wife at school the other day. Brand new battery so I knew it was the alternator. Cheapest I've seen it for is $144.95 with the old one ($60.00 more until you return it). Anybody know anywhere (I'm on the eastcoast so it has to be over here or shipped) that its cheaper? Thanks again.

[AlabamaDan]

I think the Q alternators are pretty expensive and not so fun to replace. That's what I've read around here anyway. The Qs are sorta picky about parts so most NICO members around her buy Nissan Remans from Infiniti of Scottsdale. Tell 'em Alabama Dan said hello.

http://www.everythinginfiniti.com

[goody90q45]

Need a new alternator though...Cheapest I've seen it for is $144.95.....Anybody know anywhere that its cheaper? Thanks again.

Many Q owners have alternator problems and some opt for aftermarket which is cheaper in the short run but long term you'll probably be replacing it again soon. Pony up a few more $$ and order from our sponsor at 25% off list price. Read the recent thread below if you're not convinced. There's many more where this one came from.

zerothread/296502

It means one of your brake lights is out or going out. Sometimes a bulb may appear to work but be going bad. Do you have an aftermarket bulb anywhere?

As Danny said your lights are still working but one of your bulbs or the socket it plugs into is melted, burned through or shorting out, and on its last leg.

From inside the trunk, with no tools required, pull the brake lamp module out by squeezing the 2 tabs, unplug the connector and examine the bulbs and sockets. My experience is the bulbs with two filaments generate the most heat. Look for:> Bulb- flat or melted bulb sockets> Module- melted or burned through bulb receptacles (female)> Module- burnt or brittle wiring

For best results replace bad bulbs with OEM or (Sylvania) long life (LL). The module assembly can be bought from the stealership or you can rebuild the bad components in the module for a few bucks. Many options, OEM new is usually best.

[Haitian_King]

Sorry to be a bother, but say your socket is indeed melted. How do you replace it? Would I have to purchase another socket and splice it in? Or is it more of a plug and play?