2007-03-24 20:17:32 · 3 answers · asked by g m 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Nissan
I own a shop, and have worked on cars for many years. I think you could have a bad voltage regulator. The light comes on when the alternator output falls below an acceptable level. The older vehicles has a regulator that is not part of the alternator, but some are. This is something you will just have to determine. A loose belt that is slipping will also cause the light to come on. I guess you have looked for the obvious like a broken belt, bad cable connection, or a broken wire at the terminals on the alternator?? Hook a volt meter to the back of the alternator to see if it is putting out at least 12 and 1/2 volts. If it is; look for the voltage regulator. The old style regulators were big & bulky, had points in them that stuck, and sometimes you could hit them with a wrench and they would unstick, and go to working right. Find an older mechanic that understands the older systems, and have it checked out. Most parts stores will check the alternator for free, but if its a younger person doing the test, he/she may not know how to test the system properly. If you can get a good hold on the pully of the alternator, and you are able to turn it inside the belt, then the belt may be the problem, and need to be tightened up. Look for a square type metal box on the fire wall, or around the sides of the radiator, and you may have found your regulator. There is no way any one on here can determine what you have without physically looking at the vehicle. Your vehicle is on the boarderline of when they were changed over, and you may, or may not have a regulator outside of the alternator. Some of the regulators had screws on them that you can take the cover off them. These can be took apart and file the points in them, put back together, and they are good to go for a while.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!
2007-03-25 01:41:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have a bad alternator, a loose or broken belt, a loose connection. You should do a visual check for the belt and take the vehicle to a reputable mechanic for an electrical systems check out.
2007-03-24 20:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if i remember correctly those cars also had a voltage regulator separate from the alternator . if it has failed your alt. could work but the light would come on . check the price of both parts but do not neglect the first respondents advice . good luck
2007-03-25 01:32:01 · answer #3 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋