Nissan Alternators

All About Nissan Alternators

Whether you drive a car or an SUV in the Nissan lineup or one of the brand's trucks or vans, an alternator is one of the many parts of its charging system, and a critical one. Without it, your vehicle wouldn't run at all.

This is because the alternator's job is to turn mechanical energy -- the movement of parts -- into electrical energy, electricity that charges the car battery and helps run other electrical systems. In fact, yours helps power everything from the dash lights, digital displays, and power windows to the car radio, steering, windshield wipers, and more.

How one works is simple. Basically, it creates a magnetic field, and the engine, serpentine and drive belts, a pulley, and a rotor shaft move a set of magnetic coils to do it. A rectifier captures the field's energy as an electrical charge, transforming it from AC into DC current that a voltage regulator manages.

Unfortunately, no alternator lasts forever. They can eventually fail, usually, for as many as four reasons -- damaged or broken-down parts, a belt that's too tight, an incorrect jump-start, and incompatible accessory installations. When they go bad, it usually happens without any warning, too.

Luckily, there are still a few signs you can look for. One is the obvious battery and alternator warning lights on the dash. Another is erratic lighting and electronics. Yet another is an alternator fluid leak. You can also listen for a squeaking engine, test your battery if it appears dead, and smell for burning under the hood, near the battery or alternator specifically. See these, and you should run an inspection and test the charging system. Replace what's necessary, as the results indicate.

When to change one otherwise is straightforward: do it every 7 years or every 80,000 to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. For more information, consult your owner's manual. Before ordering a new alternator, however, be sure it's genuine OEM. It'll be guaranteed to fit your Nissan model, after all -- a promise that aftermarket alternators can't always make.

Where Can I Order a Replacement Alternator for My Nissan Online?

Right from our catalog. All it takes is a click or three. To find what's compatible with your ride more easily, browse it by model and model year. Buy one now, and we'll ship it post haste, with delivery right to your door.