Urgent! Car won't start, and dies after jump

[themaddhatter]

Hiya folks. Here's the problem I'm facing.

My car is a 1990 Nissan 240sx Coupe, 5spd. Manual.

I tried to start the car a couple of days ago and it woudn't turn over. The interior lights were pretty dim too. I jump started the car and let it run for about 10 minutes. I then switched on my lights so I could take it for a spin. As soon as the lights came on, the car started to sputter and die. I saved it by revving, but it died as soon as I let go of the gas. I jumped it again, and this time left it idling for over an hour. it idled fine w/o problems, but when I turned the lights on to leave it died again.

I used a volt meter to test the battery while the car was off and it was around the 9V mark. I tested it running and it showed a little over 14 and was pretty consistent though I didn't leave it in place for more then a couple minutes.

I don't know if this is the alternator or the battery. I also tried pulling the positive lead off the battery while the car was running and it died. It seems to indicate the alternator, but could there be a fuse or relay problem? Seems to idle fine but as soon as the headlights come on it dies immediately. w/o the headlights, I was able to drive it into my garage (10 ft) w/o any problems.

Lastly, I found an alternator fuse in the under hood box close to the battery and it was fine. Is there a charging fuse somewhere else I need to check?

I apologize for the long post, and appreciate any help I can get. This car is my primary transport and I start a new job tomorrow morning. To make the situation more interesting, we're about to have a snow storm tonight. If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all!

[NISTECH]

you may have a bad battery but you definitely have an alternator problem. the car should stay running with the battery cable disconnected from the batt,though not recommended to do that since it can damage the alternator. your gonna need to rip the alternator out and have it bench tested but my guess is the regulator is shot in it. take your battery with you when you go to have the alt tested have them put it on a charger. While its at the store take your new alt that your likely gonna be buyin and install it then go back to get your battery. by the time you get back the battery should be fully charged and they can test it.

[Altiman94]

alternator install/removal is very easy on the ka24e engine. Done it a few times myself.

[themaddhatter]

you may have a bad battery but you definitely have an alternator problem. the car should stay running with the battery cable disconnected from the batt,though not recommended to do that since it can damage the alternator. your gonna need to rip the alternator out and have it bench tested but my guess is the regulator is shot in it. take your battery with you when you go to have the alt tested have them put it on a charger. While its at the store take your new alt that your likely gonna be buyin and install it then go back to get your battery. by the time you get back the battery should be fully charged and they can test it.

Thanx for the reply. Here's an update. I just replaced the battery cuz it tested as "bad cell" at walmart. It was over 3 years old anyway so no biggie. I put it in and started the car. I hooked up a voltmeter to checkit and it was reading in the mid 13's initially but dropped to late 12's within 5 to 10 minutes. I pulled the positive and it shut off. I'm think alternator, but I started hearing a weird noise when the car shut off. Its coming from the passenger side further up in the engine compartment (closer to the firewall).. Sounds like something is jammed in the on position. That would explain why my battery flatlined overnight when it was running fine the day b4, cuz I didn't leave any lights on. What could this be?

Lastly, how do I go about remove the alternator? Its not very accessible from the top, so I guess I'll have to jack up the car. What do I have to watch out for?

Thanx for all the help!!

[themaddhatter]

alternator install/removal is very easy on the ka24e engine. Done it a few times myself.

Could you shoot me a bit of a step by step? I know its usually pretty easy on cars where its top accessible, but I think I gotta go below on this one. How much does it cost btw?

Thanx!

[ullose240sx]

you can change it from the top its pretty easy only 2 bolts holding it on, of course youll have to remove the wires from the back again easy, a new one cost 100.00 at advanced auto a little more at auto zone, hope this helps