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Alternator problem?

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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Seems like my neighborhood is enjoying car electrical problems!

New neighbors and I were talking about my recent Rambler generator issue. He then asked me to take a look at his Nissan Pathfinder. Battery looks like this:


View attachment 45702

Yikes! It's the battery itself that pushing up acid/corrosion from under the two cell cover caps. Not just at the terminals.

Wouldn't this be likely due to alternator/regulator failure? Overcharging and overheating the cells? Terminals show 12.5 v. when engine is off; 13 v when engine is running at idle.

Is there a way to test the regulator?

Thanks.
Tom M.
 
That appears to be overcharging. Check the voltage output at 2000 RPM.
I believe the regulator is internal, so not likely replaceable.
Voltage should never exceed 14.5
Dave
 
Thanks Dave. At 2000 rpm output was 14.5 v. So we took the car to Sears, who said the charging system was good, but one look at the battery and said the "seals" had failed. (Not sure what that means.) But it was still in warranty, and they replaced the battery at no charge.

No charge - maybe a poor choice of words!

Thanks.
Tom in CT
 
NutmegCT said:
No charge - maybe a poor choice of words!
Click to expand...

True but at least the warranty was current. (Not my usual good fortune)

BTW many times I see Blow Out Tire Sales!
 
JPSmit said:
True but at least the warranty was current. (Not my usual good fortune)

BTW many times I see Blow Out Tire Sales!
Click to expand...

Is that like "Classic Car for Sale - Rust Free!"

(means there's no extra charge for the rust ...)
 
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