1994 Nissan Pathfinder is it the alternator

1994 NISSAN PATHFINDER
165,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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CRULF8
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  • 1 POST
all of my dash gauges went flat, the battery light came on, the lights stayed bright although they may have dimmed in the 3 mile drive home.I do not have a volt meter, just a test light. is it the alternator?
Jun 21, 2008 at 6:07 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The test light will not help you-it doesn't give you the amount of electrical pressure being produce-

Get a voltmeter and measure the battery open voltage-should read 12.4volts or better-then start the vehicle up and read it again with the heater and headlight at high it should be in the range of 14.5 or better-if so the charging system is okay-
Jun 21, 2008 at 6:13 PM
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