Car will not go when in drive or reverse?

2002 NISSAN MAXIMA
186,000 MILES • 1.2L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BMAN33184
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My car battery came on and suddenly I lost power while trying to accelerate or go in reverse now my battery is completely drained, and I don't know if it's from the battery that I can't accelerate.
Aug 2, 2022 at 8:19 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

If the battery light gets illuminated when the engine is running it means that the battery is not being charged by the alternator. Continued driving under this condition will discharge the battery and it can stall the engine when coming to a stop.

You might be able to start it back up with a jump, but it will likely stall again.

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

Let me know if this is what you are experiencing or if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Aug 2, 2022 at 10:50 PM
Avatar
BMAN33184
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Even when I jump it, it doesn't want to move and when I put it in drive my RPMs drop super low.
Aug 2, 2022 at 10:56 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
So, the engine does start? But you are unable to drive/move the car?
Aug 2, 2022 at 11:00 PM
Avatar
BMAN33184
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It looks like I have some disconnected wires that go to the alternator and I think that might be the problem.
Aug 2, 2022 at 11:33 PM
Avatar
BMAN33184
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I was thinking that it would be the alternator wires and it messed with the computer possibly but I don't know how to splice wires.
Aug 2, 2022 at 11:37 PM
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
Even loose or corroded wire can cause the alternator to not charge.
I have attached the wiring schematics for the alternator below for your reference.
Aug 2, 2022 at 11:42 PM