Expert: Sean Halliday - 5/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: Sean - my clutch burnt out when I was driving about 6 hours away from home. Good news - I broke down near a shop where I had had good work done in the past - and they replaced the clutch  - no problems. Bad news - I'm back home - but en route - and several times since - the battery light AND emergency brake light on the dash BOTH come on (seemingly when I go over a bump) - and so far - have gone out after a few moments. Made me think - checked the clock - sure enough- it was out of sync. - obviously the mechanic had disconnected the battery while working the clutch job. Phoned the shop - they confirmed that - but other than a loose battery connection- had no suggestion on the warning lights - other than for me to bring the vehicle back to the shop (still six hours away). I removed - cleaned and retightened battery terminals. Any other thoughts?

ANSWER: What year is your car?.Model?Check the alternator and see if it is charging ok.As for the e/brake light,make sure the wires at the lever are connected.I need to know if its at the side of the drivers seat or under the dash.Let me know more details.

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QUESTION: Sean - the auto is a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE - emergency brake lever down beside seat...
Thanks

Answer
Under the e/brake lever there is a switch.If you pull up the e/brake and push the switch or button down with the ignition on,engine off,,you will see if the light on the dash goes off or not.If the light stays on then the switch is faulty.As for the battery light,you will still need to check all connections and test the alternator to see if it is charging.I have found a lot of Nissans with odd electrical problems mostly on the dash lights which come on or go off for no reason so you may have a bad connection also at the dash harness or faulty speedo head.