So as some of you know I recently got a new 1998 Nissan 200SX SE. I did a complete pepboys check, which included alternator and battery check, and it came back clean. A day later I noticed my battery light came on, and now it's on almost the entire time I'm driving. It turns off after a while of driving. I did voltage checks and such myself and it seemed fine, then took it to Kragens and they checked the battery, alternator, and starter and it all came out above average. Everytime I check the battery, it's fully charged. I've driven about 250 miles with the light going on and off, but it's starting to bug me because I don't know if its something to worry about.
Are any other lights coming on? Usually it is a sign of the alternator failing although other lights will usually come on along with the battery light.
Are any other lights coming on? Usually it is a sign of the alternator failing although other lights will usually come on along with the battery light.
Yes, the break light is coming on as well. I figured it was a given.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GA16DE200sx
Could just be that the voltage regulator is taking a dump and is intermittently not working.
If this was the case, how imperative is it that I get the voltage regulator replaced? How difficult is it, how expensive? Also, what kind of test could I do to see if that's really the problem?
Yes, the break light is coming on as well. I figured it was a given.
Now that you say the brake light is coming on it's porbably not the regulator. You've got some electrical gremlins. Well, if the battery light ever comes on at idle get out quick and check the voltage of the system. If it checks out fine then it's probably a short.
Location: Baltimore (only for school, really from NJ)
Posts: 158
Usually, the battery-brake light combo means that the alternator is going/gone. I think that's a good place to start. Also, check the tension on the alternator belt and the quality of the belt.
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93 Sentra E, came with nothing but power steering...
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The voltage regulator is built into the alternator. I have a small digital voltmeter that plugs into the ciggy lighter. If you don't have one... get a regular voltmeter and hook it up to you battery and put the display against your windshield so you can see it from inside. Test it with the engine off, cranking and engine on... then add some heavy load like A/C blower max+headlights+rear defrost+sound sys... voltage will drop to like 10V almost, then turn them all off except your engine and see if there's any recovery in voltage.
I've tried so many checks and the darn alternator seems to be working fine haha. I have this feeling it's going to go out soon though, me and a friend will be taking it out and looking at it tonight. Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll keep you posted.
So I'm most likely going to have to replace the alternator, but dont quite have 300 bucks to spend on a good reliable one. Do you all have any suggestions on to which brands of alternators (from Kragens or so) that are known to have better results then others and are on the lower end price-wise? Thanks in advance.
So I'm most likely going to have to replace the alternator, but dont quite have 300 bucks to spend on a good reliable one. Do you all have any suggestions on to which brands of alternators (from Kragens or so) that are known to have better results then others and are on the lower end price-wise? Thanks in advance.
-Daniel
I rode around in my car for about a month and a half with the battery/brake lights on. It was definately the alternator...luckily it died right in front of my house as I was pulling into the driveway. Go to a junk yard and get an alternator for like $25-35...it's a breaze to change out, only took me like 15-20 minutes.
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