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Alternator testing?

Tiny
TOMMYMUSTANG
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
The car belongs to a workmate. The Maxima has stalled a few times while being driven. It will restart immediately. When stalling, the dash lights and all switched on accessories will flash or flicker on and off. The auto parts guy checked battery and said it indicated slightly low on volts. They said that they can check alternator on bench. I disconnected the negative battery terminal at engine idle. The engine immediately died. Restarted and tried again. Stalled a second time. I know of the potential dangers, but is this an indiacation that the alteranator is bad? On my older cars, this was a valid test. What about on this year vehicle?
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Sunday, December 16th, 2007 AT 2:11 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The best way to check it is measure the battery open voltage before you start it up it should read 12.4 volts or better. Start vehicle while engine running and headlights and heater On it should read 13.5 or better. If not there's a problem within the charging system.

Or the battery is sulfated and its not taking the charge.
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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I would check the charging voltage. You may have a blown fuse, here is a guide to help.

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Saturday, November 9th, 2024 AT 4:57 PM

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