The car is not charging the battery?

Tiny
MISTERELSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I cannot figure out why my maxima is not charging my battery. I just got a new battery and I have a new (maybe refurbished) alternator. I took the alternator to Napa, and they bench tested it and told me that it is a good alternator. I've checked all of the fuses (I think). I don't really understand what a fusible link is. I'm not sure how this website works.
Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 AT 12:12 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,506 POSTS
You are doing good, there are three fuses to check one is a fusible link or maxi fuse. Here is a guide to help test them and the fuse location in the images below and I have included the alternator wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

This guide can help as well. I would check for power at the main power lead of the alternator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of the problem so we can see what's going on. Check fusible A, fuse 70 in the fuse panel on the left side of the engine compartment, and fuse # 30 in the fuse panel on the left side of the dash.

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Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
MISTERELSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Oh, thank you so much. I am at work now. I will be home in a little while and will respond once I diagnose. Thank you very much.
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Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,506 POSTS
Sounds good, please let me know. Safe travels.
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Friday, January 26th, 2024 AT 9:56 AM
Tiny
MISTERELSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Ken. Sorry it has been 2 degrees all week long. The weather has just warmed up today. How does this work? You have me diagnostic steps. Am I allowed to ask further questions on the vehicle regarding the same issue?
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Saturday, January 27th, 2024 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,506 POSTS
Oh yes, I will stay with you through the process. I hope it warms up soon! Ask as many questions as you need.
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Sunday, January 28th, 2024 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
MISTERELSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi. Thank you so much for the help. I got it to charge again. I ran through the steps you provided. However, it wasn't a blown fuse. I honestly don't know why it is charging again. I'm not sure if it will continue to charge or not. If it stops charging I'll ask for help again. Thank you.
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,506 POSTS
It sounds like the alternator might have an intermittent shorting issue, but it could have been a bad connection which is now fixed. Thanks for letting us know.
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Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 11:34 AM

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