The alternator plays a very significant part in your car’s efficiency. But are you aware that 8 out of 10 people have faced alternator problems in this modern world?
Besides, everyone’s dream is to get a car as they progress in life or upgrade their current ones to bigger and better.
DB Electrical 400-48156 Alternator Fits – [Check Price here]
- Nissan 350Z 3.5L:2003 2004 2005 2006
- Voltage: 12, Rotation: CW, Amperage: 110, Clock: 10, Pulley Class: S6
Well, it is not a bad dream, but it is essential to bear in mind that regardless of your preferred choice of car, it is better to understand it sufficiently to figure out the cause of any problem when it arises. That said, we will look at the alternator problems as one of the major problems you need to know.
Please stick through to the end as we unveil more.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Signs of Bad Alternator in Nissan 350z
Have you ever deliberated on what the signs of a failing alternator are? Well, you can tell a failing alternator from strange noises when driving, stalling, or flickering headlights. It has a negative impact and affects the electrical problems that can cause a breakdown ultimately when it starts to fail. Please watch out for the following signs:
Flickering or dim headlights
Your alternator may not be appropriately working if you notice dim or flickering headlights. So the flickering means the alternator is struggling to work since it provides power to the headlights.
The light indicator
The “ALT” or “GEN” is a warning indicator sign on your dashboard. It is the first indicator when the alternator is failing. Quickly rush the car to a professional mechanic, and don’t ignore it.
Dead battery
An alternator fails to charge the battery, and it eventually dies after draining. You can replace the battery and check the alternator.
Strange noises
You will discover unusual rattles as the bearings fail in the engine and cause strange noises.
Stalling of the car
There might be insufficient power in the spark plugs to keep the engine alive, therefore, causing trouble when starting or stalling.
What does the alternator do?
The alternator is an essential component of your car. If it fails, the vehicle will also stop working. It has an alternating current that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. Then it generates the alternating current through the rotor and stator magnets found inside it.
However, it charges the battery by transforming the alternating current (AC) into a direct current (DC).
It also provides the battery a steady amount of power by controlling the energy, as the voltage regulator sends power to the battery from the alternator.
Diagnosing process of Alternator problem
What happens when the alternator fails?
Did you know that the alternator provides energy for running the vehicle’s electrical components while the battery primarily starts the car as a source of power? Ultimately, the car may fail to start if the alternator has a problem.
But the diagnosis of an alternator problem involves the wearing out of internal components from extreme temperatures and dirt.
Moreover, the bearings may also fail due to exposure to dirt and heat, causing the alternator to fail. As soon as you realize a loud grinding noise, this will alert you of an alternator problem.
How to fix the bad alternator in Nissan 350z?
How do you troubleshoot an alternator? You can fix a bad alternator in the following simple steps:
- Detach the negative battery cable carefully, avoiding a short.
- Ensure the battery fully charges, then test it after cleaning and inspecting it to make the process successful. Please note that a failing or weak battery will make the alternator fail prematurely. Also, a new alternator will damage if you charge a low-voltage battery with it.
- Find the alternator attached to the engine
- Inspect the charging and starting components like driver belt tensioner, drive belt, battery terminal B+ voltage wire, the alternator contaminator like antifreeze, grease, and oil, and electrical plug pigtail connector. Find and repair the source of contamination, whether it’s a type of fluid or engine oil.
- Remove the alternator
- Unbolt the old alternator from the mounting brackets and engine after inspecting the electrical connections and removing all interfering items.
- Match the alternator position and bolt holes before installation.
- Install the mounting bolts and nuts as you carefully align and install the alternator.
- Lastly, ensure nothing has been overlooked by scanning the work area
How much does it cost to replace an alternator on a 350z?
Replacing a Nissan 350Z alternator costs around $745, and the labor costs between $110 and $140. However, it may vary depending on your current location.
The labor cost may be quite affordable compared to other automotive since it is such a straightforward job.
Alternatively, you will probably need an entire alternator replacement done by a skilled mechanic if you have the 2007 Nissan 350Z roadster model.
Please do not attempt to DIY not to cause more damages than repair to your car.
Also, note that an alternator needs no regular maintenance since it is from a design that runs without repair for up to 12 years.
Nissan 350Z alternator install
FAQ
What are common problems with Nissan 350z?
Although rare, the knocking noises from the rear suspension are concern about your Nissan 350Z. Additionally, they have a significant issue regarding oil consumption, poor quality of the easily chipping paint, premature clutch wear, a warranty issue of a crunching gearbox, incorrect wheel alignment, and feathering of the tires. Plus, an unresponsive handbrake does not stop the car from moving. Ensure you refurbish the wheels to avoid the bubbling here and there of the rays alloy wheels from rusting.
How do you know if it’s a battery or alternator problem?
You can tell a failing battery if there’s no sound when starting up and no interior light if it inconsistently starts, or it has a slugging engine cranking, but then it works when you jumpstart it. On the other hand, a bad alternator may fail in the stereo-system output, dimming lights, and trouble-starting or no start at all. Another alternator problem is a fuzzy or whine sound when hitting the gas.
Can you jump a car with a bad alternator?
It is possible to jumpstart a car with a failed alternator for particular vehicles to avoid waiting too long for a mechanic while stuck on the road. The car only needs critical power components with enough electricity. They include fuel injectors, fuel pumps, and the onboard computer or engine control unit. However, ensure you don’t leave the jumper cables unnecessarily long while connected between vehicles since they will destroy delicate electronics.
Can a bad alternator destroy a new battery?
A bad alternator is likely to destroy a new battery very quickly by overcharging it. It will also speed up its failure by leaving it flat from undercharging it. Moreover, the alternator may not charge the battery and cause damage from insufficient power to sustain it. Alternatively, if the alternator suffers ripple voltage, it will kill the electronics in the car and the battery.
Can a car run with a bad alternator?
A bad alternator will run a car for only a short time. You will find that as soon as the battery depletes, your vehicle fails to restart and dies since the alternator charges the battery with the engine running. Nonetheless, the car battery’s capacity will determine how long it will run when the alternator stops. It may run from five to thirty minutes if the battery charge is not complete. But in the case of a fully charged battery, the runtime will possibly increase.
What happens when an alternator fails?
Some systems will no longer receive the electrical energy required if the alternator fails. It will result in the engine running poorly or stalling because they will function unsteadily. The systems include onboard computers, fuel systems, and ignition systems. You will have difficulty while cranking and insufficient power for engine turnover. The failed alternator will be unable to keep the battery fully charged and draining it as it assesses the electric power components for operation.
Conclusion
I hope you are now enlightened on everything you need to know about alternator problems.
In case you realize any of the signs like a dead battery, flickering lights, unresponsive electrical accessories, and difficulty starting, among others, please don’t ignore but rush to a reliable mechanic to check the car.
Your Nissan 350Z won’t start with a faulty alternator because it will result in a dead battery. Similarly, you will end up with more damage from unresolved alternator problems. Be informed!
