Pathfinder died on me while driving

[Guest dwj119]

Battery was dead this morning. Jumped it and headed out to get the battery tested. On my way home from Autzone where I got my battery tested for free (which tested out ok) I'm going up a hill and I start to lose power. I make it to the top of the hill and the check engine light comes on, then the ABS light. 30 seconds later, the Pathy shuts off. ANd will not start. I get my friend to jump me, 2 mins later I'm driving down the road and same thing happens. We did this one more time so I could park it at a safe place until I get it towed tommorow. I just bought the Pathfinder 2 1/2 weeks ago from a used car dealer, so I'm pretty upset. The car does have a 3 month/3 k mile warranty on the engine and drive train. However I think this an electrical problem that is not going to fall under the warranty. I'm going to replace the alternator tommorow, I hope this solves the problem. ANy further advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

 

Dustin Jones

DNN and Pathfinder Fan

JtechOnline

[Pezzy]

Hey there, welcome to the board!

 

It sounds like you might be on the right track. Alternators are not cheap... can you have it tested to see what the output voltage is?

[Precise1]

After you jumped it the first time, how far/long did you drive it ? I'm assuming the battery was fully charged when they tested it (required) ?

It may be the alt, but start by checking all the wires and connections on the battery and alt. Sometimes you can get lucky...

 

B

[Guest dwj119]

I stayed running about 1 min while driving. All the connections seem tight and clean, I'm replacing the alternator today with one from Autozone ($143). I would rather go OEM, but the OEM is pretty steep in IMHO.

[Precise1]

Ahh, well, be sure to have the old one bench tested just to make sure...

 

B

[FLApathy]

I stayed running about 1 min while driving. All the connections seem tight and clean, I'm replacing the alternator today with one from Autozone ($143). I would rather go OEM, but the OEM is pretty steep in IMHO.

i got mine rebiult for pretty dang cheap but i guess it helps to know a few ppl, but i would go with aftermarket but thats cuzz i plan having a few electrical items :idea:

[Casey.T]

Just out of curiosity..

 

What was the status of the belt before you changed the Alt?

 

check engine light comes on, then the ABS light. 30 seconds later, the Pathy shuts off.

Oil and AT lights came on too.

 

That used to be an indicator to me that we had a Loose/broken belt...