please help my dying 93 altima

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Hana923 - 28 Dec 2003 19:56 GMT

Please help! My 1993 nissan altima does not start, and I have taken it in to several shops many times Here's the deal - at first, my car started doing absolutely NOTHING when i would turn the key. No noise, no dome lights when the doors were open, nothing. Then, i found a battery cable that was sort of corroded and when i jiggled it, the dome light inside came on. Power! So then the car started fine, and life was good. However, the other day this problem happened again, so I jiggle the cable and got in the car to start it - the lights on the dashboard were on, etc. But, when i turned the key, there was a click noise and the power all went out. Nothing. So, what's wrong with my car? I heard maybe an oil leak caused the alternator to go, or something, it could be the alternator for a different reason, perhaps the starter. I have no clue, I'm 18, broke, and my parents won't shell out any more money for this godforsaken car. So, I need to know how to fix this myself. I'm pretty handy, I mean, I DID find that wire to jiggle the first time....
Any diagrams or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
Hana

Reply to this Message

WindsorFox[SS] - 28 Dec 2003 20:29 GMT

> Please help! My 1993 nissan altima does not start, and I have taken it in to several shops many times Here's the deal - at first, my car started doing absolutely NOTHING when i would turn the key. No noise, no dome lights when the doors were open, nothing. Then, i found a battery cable that was sort of corroded and when i jiggled it, the dome light inside came on. Power! So then the car started fine, and life was good. However, the other day this problem happened again, so I jiggle the cable and got in the car to start it - the lights on the dashboard were on, etc. But, when i turned the key, there was a click noise and the power all went out. Nothing. So, what's wrong with my car? I heard maybe an oil leak caused the alternator to go, or something, it could be the alternator for a different reason, perhaps the starter. I have no clue, I'm 18, broke, and my parents won't shell out any more money for this godforsaken car. So, I need to know how to fix this myself. I'm pretty handy, I mean, I DID find that wire to jiggle the first time....
> Any diagrams or advice would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks so much!
> Hana

If you have NO power, then "jiggle" the battery cable and suddenly
regain all power, that cable and terminal clamp needs to be replaced
and the terminal on the battery cleaned.

Signature

Check out the gaming & computer forums at the [SS] clan site.
http://www.shamikaserver.com

Reply to this Message

Papa Ray - 04 Jan 2004 21:53 GMT

You have two cables that go to your battery.
Take them off one at at time and clean VERY WELL both ends of the
cable. Then clean the area (spot) and bolts that connect each end and
reinsall cable. Do this with the other cable also. Make sure the bolts
are very tight.

Check the level of acid in your battery if it is the kind you can add
water to. If it is be very careful not to get any acid on you. There
are small circircular
ridges inside the hole, fill to that level with distilled water, don't
add any more than that. If it is the sealed type battery you can't add
water.

Then hook up a battery charger to battery (leave it on overnight if it
is the trickle charge type) or have your Dad take it to a shop and
have it checked and charged. I won't cost much. Sears might do it
free. Or if its a faily new battery take it back where you bought it
and ask them to do it or replace it. Most batterys are guaranteed for
several months.

Save up and order you a service manual from Nissan or go on e-bay
Motors and get a FSM (field service manual)on a CD. Also it is a good
idea if your inclined to like cars to take an auto repair course at
your local community college.

Papa Ray

Reply to this Message