battery will not charge and check engine light on?

1997 INFINITI Q45
160,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SANDYEGGOGRL
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  • 1 POST
About a year ago i was driving and all of a sudden, the car started lurching and cut out. It shut off right in the middle of the road. couldn't start it without a jump after that. I've changed the battery, the alternator, put a new starter in, checked the fuses and relays and still the check engine light is on, and the battery keeps draining.
Sep 4, 2023 at 4:49 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

If the alternator isn't charging, it can be caused by a few things. First, we need to check if the alternator is getting power from the battery.

There are three fuses to consider. If you look below, I attached the wiring schematic for the charging system and highlighted the fuses to check. If the fuses are good and have power to and from them, move to the alternator and check the wires indicated for power. They should have power at all times.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

joe

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Sep 4, 2023 at 10:47 PM
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