1997 Nissan Altima died while driving

Asked by Jason Dec 26, 2018 at 11:08 AM about the 1997 Nissan Altima GXE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 1997 Nissan Altima died while I was driving. I
know the car is old and is need of a tune up but I
was told by my friend who has a bit more
knowledge on card and he said it could be the
alternator. But after purchasing a new alternator
my car ended up starting up again and I was able
to drive it too but I don’t want to risk getting stuck
somewhere if I decide to drive and it dies mid way
to my destination

1 Answer
101,615

KenF answered 5 years ago

First have the charging system tested (battery and alternator). Most parts shops can do this for free, or pay a nominal fee to have it done by a mechanic. Check the overall condition of the battery cables. Check the battery hold down is keeping battery securely in place. Frayed ends and loose or corroded connections can kill power easily, especially when you are driving and things can move around. Trace those battery cables to their end points, such as the starter, starter relay, alternator, and chassis and engine grounds. Open the fuse box and check for loose fuses. Basically on an older vehicle like yours you have to look for wear and tear on those wiring harnesses.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 1997 Nissan Altima died while driving 1 Answer

    My 1997 Nissan Altima died while I was driving. I know the car is old and is need of a tune up but I was told by my friend who has a bit more knowledge on card and he said it could be the alternat...

    1997 Nissan Altima GXE

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2005 Nissan Altima completely died while driving down the hwy & now won’t crank 2 Answers

    My 2005 Nissan Altima just completely died while going down the hey and would not crank back up! Had to have it towed home! It has done this before a few times but I could put it in N and crank it ...

    2005 Nissan Altima 2.5

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2009 nissan altima cut off while driving 1 Answer

    While I was driving down the road my 2009 nissan altima cut off & won't restart. I still have power because my lights radio & wipers were still on

    2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Shuts off while driving 5 Answers

    I have a 2002 Nissan 3.5 SE. While driving the car just shuts off. It has been starting back and I normally don't drive further than 10 miles at one time. It is doing this nearly every time I drive it...

    2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2008 Nissan Altima Will randomly shut off while driving 1 Answer

    The 2008 Nissan Altima we have will suddenly shut off while driving with not warning. We have taken it to 2 mechanics with no luck. It will stop wherever you are located. Most typically it happens ...

    2008 Nissan Altima 2.5

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Nissan Altima Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,250
  • #2
    GuruB42YD
    Reputation
    2,410
  • #3
    GuruSY3ZL
    Reputation
    2,250
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
52 Great Deals out of 960 listings starting at $2,995
Used Nissan Maxima
8 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $1,450
Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,113 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Sentra
64 Great Deals out of 1,932 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda Civic
200 Great Deals out of 4,026 listings starting at $1,999
Used Toyota Corolla
135 Great Deals out of 2,250 listings starting at $3,495
Used Hyundai Sonata
56 Great Deals out of 834 listings starting at $1,543
Used Chevrolet Malibu
48 Great Deals out of 1,047 listings starting at $2,995
Used Hyundai Elantra
158 Great Deals out of 3,051 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.