Expert: Sean Halliday - 11/23/2008

Question
I've got a 2001 Maxima se(automatic), within the last 3yrs- i've had to change the alternator and batteries 4 times(i change it 6 mths ago)! Last night the battery and emergency light came on again.Something is burning out the alternator, why does my alternator go so frequently and how do i go about rectifying the problem?

Answer
4 alternators in 3 years is not good.If i were you i would either get rid of the car or have it completely checked wiring wise for faults.This will probably cost a lot and is not a financially good idea.The reason for burnt components is usually a fault somewhere in the loom or charge circuit but the thing is finding it and it may take a real good tech who knows what hes doing to do so.Plus many hours as i have done similar things to locate same problems.Its a real time consuming ordeal to find this kind of thing and you may never find it and in the end it may be simply a "bad"car or lemon as we say.Either you are getting bad batteries and alternators or simply unlucky but if it were my car i would sell it.Sorry cant help you on this as there are too many reasons for this kind of fault and its a hands on to find it.