Brake and +- light on infiniti 01 i30 (91k miles)

[rubs]

Hi,

Since yesterday Brake and +- charge light are on during driving. I remember the same issue happened 6 months back and my mechanic was not able to find anything wrong and issue went away itself.
Since this happened again, what can be the possible reason for these 2 lights to come on again together (brake fluid is at good level)

Thanks
--rubs

[nissandoc]

you need an alternator

[jd-autotech]

Originally Posted by nissandoc

you need an alternator

yes i agree nissan oc

[rubs]

I googled it and looks like common nissan issue, Should I just buy and replace it or let it run until it die.
Do I need to buy OEM or bosch is good enough since it looks cheap.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by rubs

I googled it and looks like common nissan issue...

You have at least two separate (2) issues, charge voltage plus brake warning circuit. None is nissan specific but mile/age -related...

First before any other job, check charge voltage with multimeter. Has to be 13.8V or more... Check alt issues mentioned here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23

[nissandoc]

no you dont have an issue whith the brakes. when nissan alternator go out it turns on the light for the brake and battery. as far as aftermarket alternators
go.....you get what you pay for.......ask yourself how many times and how often do you want to replace it? if you do get a good one that lasts you'll be lucky.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by nissandoc

...when nissan alternator go out it turns on the light for the brake and battery. ...

Any kinds problems may exist when warning lights come on, generally alt light means only alt, brake only brakes. That is why there exists separate light for each major issue.

[edit: Infiniti schema really shows a diode causing brake (=fluid level, hb) warning light to be ON when alt is not working. However, this silly feature is not true in 3/4th gen maxima. See Infiniti schema: http://econtent.autozone.com:24991/z...2801aae9e.gif]

The alt light may mean of charge problem related to alt or wirings or whatever ... typically worn alt brushes. Best remedy if alt is original: cheap to DIY brush swap as depicted in the link.

The brake light may mean brake light wiring or whatever, typically brake related problem...

[rather_b_boatin]

All good advice but be sure to check the charging voltage at the battery posts with the engine running. Should be around 14vdc.

[Nahkapohjola]

At least 2002 Maxima seems to have the Brake/Alt warn light connection via a diode. This means that no charge causes both lamps to illuminate.

I have now one 2k2 maxima (50kmiles) intermittently havin ONLY ALTERNATOR lamp on. Alt warn light error condition goes out after shutting and restarting engine. Also few times the MIL check lamp has been flashing for a short period, gone out - NOTE: NO error code stored in ECU.
At least once overcharge voltage has been detected at 15.6Volts... so my suspicion is that the voltage regulator inside alt is dying causing intermittent VERY high charge voltages. ...Will replace the alt soon.

Contradicting schemas can be found at FSM page EL-120,136,139. (At page 120 the alt lamp is connectoed to MIL lamp via a diode - instead of the mentioned BRAKE warn lamp...) Have fun.



You may read the MIL error codes yourself via dash lamp, see the procedure:

HOW TO SWITCH DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE Maxima 2002; FSM page EC-94

Self-diagnostic results:

1. Confirm that accelerator pedal is fully released, turn ignition switch “ON” and wait 3 seconds.
2. Repeat the following procedure quickly five times within 5 seconds.
1) Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
2) Fully release the accelerator pedal.
3. Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for approx. 10 seconds until the MIL starts
blinking.
4. Fully release the accelerator pedal.
ECM has entered to Diagnostic Test Mode II (Self-diagnostic results).

(...and will flash the 4 digit code until engine shut off.)

--- ECM Always returns to Diagnostic Test Mode I after ignition switch is turned “OFF”.

[rubs]

I went to autozone and battery and alternator are fine.
Also since then warning light hadn't came again and also I forget to mention in initial post that this light came after driving the car for more than 150 miles stretch and I have to verify this again during next long trip.