# 1996 Maxima Alternator Problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-maxima-alternator-problem/36644>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, maxima\
**Created:** [September 14, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-maxima-alternator-problem/36644 "2009-09-14T21:23:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Lils12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Lils12](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lils12)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-maxima-alternator-problem/36644/1 "2009-09-14T21:23:00Z")

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The other night while I was driving the battery and brake light came on. In order to make sure it was the alternator, I disconnected the battery and the car stopped running, which concluded that it was the alternator. Now that it is replaced, both the same lights are still on. The battery has been replaced only a few months ago. Any suggestions as to why the lights are still on? Thank you.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 9:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-maxima-alternator-problem/36644/2 "2009-09-14T21:27:31Z")

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Disconnecting the battery with the engine running with an alternator is an excellent way to burn up a perfectly good alternator. The test you performed use to be done when vehicles had generators.

Tester