csimeone

I have an 08 maixima. The battery is dead and I needed a jump start to get to work this morning. After work it was dead again. I got a jump and it started but when you put it in drive or reverse the engine doesn't rev. In addition both the battery and brake lights are on. Everything I read on this says its the alternator, but I was wondering if a bad battery could cause it as well? There is smoke coming from the battery and it is very hot so I know it is no good but can this cause the car to enter fail safe mode?

ShocknAwe

iTrader: (3)

ok yea dont drive that. Smoke coming from the battery? Lord. You could have a power wire that has stripped but that is unlikely. Like you said, it is probably the alternator which by this time has likely killed your battery as well. Replace both. Report back

void67

Yeah, I had the same issue and it was the alternator. My battery was not smoking, so I am thinking you have a bad connection. Good luck.

po8pimp

to check if it is an alternator: get a multimeter and check the voltage DC, should be between 11.5-13.5vdc. Then start the car, if it doesn't start, jump the car. Once the car is running, check the voltage again, it should be 13-14.5vdc. If it is not higher than before it was started, the alternator is shot. If it is higher and doesn't die, the alternator is good. Check your connections as well, batteries can explode. Smoke is not a good thing. If the alternator is good, change your battery and you should be fine. Nissan's are imfamous for having an abnormal discharge rate while the car is off.

Icons04SilverMax

Alternator..

nsnrider

iTrader: (59)

def. your alternator is shot. I would recomend getting a new battery as well with the new alternator. You might have to dperform the closed throttle plate relearn, accelorator pedal relearn and idle relearn procedures.