1997 Nissan Altima voltage spike

Tiny
TMURPHYDOC
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I have a problem with a voltage spike. All of the lights inside/out get very bright and the blower starts blowing harder than usual. I changed the rotors and pads the day before and while under the hood I made sure all wires were connected (I had a problem with the alternator wire previously and the car wouldn't start). The battery was replaced about a year ago and the alternator seized and was replaced about a year and a half ago. I'm thinking it's a frayed wire somewhere - but I just don't remember the lights ever being that bright or the fan that high. Only other thing I can think of is the ac compressor might be going bad - I hear a quick squeak when I turn the ac on and it seems to happen more frequently when its running. If the compressor is going causing the alternator to spin faster would that do it? The problem is pretty consistent - it looks like I'm flashing my lights at night. It'll stop for a minute or two and continue flashing - or stay bright/high for a few mins and them go back down. Maybe I shorted out the regulator when I was fiddling with the wires?

Second issue: :(

Brakes pedal travels farther than usual. Doesn't matter if I'm at a light or driving it sinks down to the same level, lower than usual. One caliper seems to be stuck and I bled the lines. Still nothing. I was told by someone that if I removed the lines to the master cylinder and plugged them I should have a hard brake pedal again granted it is not a problem with the caliper. What do you think of this test? (And the issue). Basically when I changed the pads one was gone and the other had all of its meat.

THANK YOU!
tmurphydoc@hotmail. Com
516-776-1387
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 12:09 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
1st issue: Get the alternator load tested, regulator might not be controlling the alternator output

2nd Issue: Bench test the master cylinder if pedal gradually sinks while applied.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the rear brakes, especially if you have drum brakes in the rear. Pull up on your parking brake and if the pedal gets better, the rears are out of adjustment, or worn out. If the pads are worn unevenly, you either have a cliper piston, or slide or hose problem. Change the same parts on both sides, if the piston didnt retract easily, open the bleeder, does it retract ok now? If yes change the hose, if not change the calipers.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 12:39 PM

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