battery or alternator problem, or weird voodoo?

[Pathfinder_Gal]

I'm wondering if this is a battery or alternator problem.

I left the light on overnight in my 95 Pathfinder and had it jumped to restart it, that was 2 weeks ago and it has driven fine since, but...

Yesterday morning it wouldn't start until I jumped it. I then drove it to "recharge the battery". On a different car exursion that evening, the lights went dim and all the panel lights came on (ABS, Door Ajar, etc.) and then it died and wouldn't start until it was jumped again. I was able to make it home but it almost died on me at stoplights.

Any recommendations for troubleshooting? Is replacing the battery the first step?

[lewisnc100]

If you're near an Autozone I believe they test both the battery and alternator for free.

[Path92Finder]

Normally when you jump start a car. if you put the jup cable on negative and postive on both vechiles.It usually ruins alternator.. cause when you jumpstart a car, always put the negative on any grounded body vechile and put the red one on postive battery.. Like this guy says, go to AutoZone, they will target it and its free.

Good luck!

[infinman]

I know this thread start is old and problem must be sorted out by now, but you have{had}an alternator issue.Battery is used to start an engine . After engine is running The alternator takes over and runs all accessories while recharging the battery.If lights start coming on {dash}and your engine dies while driving ,you definately have a alternator or alternator control problem.
To prevent damage to control units{computers}here is the correct way to jump a vehicle.Jumper cable connections
1.Positive{red} to good vehicle positive post {battery}
2.Positive{red} to dead vehicle positive post {battery}
3.Negative{black} to dead vehicle negative post {battery}
4.Negative{black} to good vehicle engine ground {engine away from battery}
Done this way you will never cause damage to control units,battery or alternator. Anyone ever have a battery blow up in your face? Beleive me it's ugly.

[marketingblitz]

I think i am having a similar problem .. i dont know all of a sudden the brake, a/t oil temp and the battery lights came on and there is a whirring sound coming from the engine area... car is running fine though.. just drove it aorund a bit and then have parked it ... it started perfectly again today but the lights are still on ... is it the alternator?? what can it be? anyone faced this problem ?? i have a 97 infiniti qx4 automatic 4WD

[denisb]

do you have a voltage gauge? If so, check to see if it's above 10-11 volts. Anything below that will give you freaky dashboard lights. It's possible your alternator is just barely getting by charging the battery enough to start. If this is the case your alternator is getting ready to go south and should be replace ASAP.

Denis

[marketingblitz]

you were right ... yesterday the lights went all weird and now the car wont start ... i have bought the alternator ... does anyone know how to replace it?