5th gen. Maxima alternator replacement (1999-2003) VQ35DE

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--------------- Hey guys sorry for the delay on posting. Here is a video showing you how to replace the alternator on your VQ35DE engine found in the 5th gen maxima. The previous VQ30DE may also be similar.
If you found this video useful and would like to see more car repair content, please don't forget to hit that subscribe button! Also if this video was helpful to you show you like it by hitting the like button! If you guys would like to see any specific vehicle repair item please feel free to send me a message or simply ask in any comment section on my videos! I am here to help everyone fix their cars so that you guys can save money by NOT going to the mechanic shop.

[@kittan5927]

As someone who is always very nervous about messing something up while working on a car, I feel confident just from this video that I would be able to do it without fear of breaking everything. Very detailed, clear instructions.

[@toms3342]

This is easily one of the best car repair videos on KZbin!! Thank you so much for going to the trouble!!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

No worries

[@davidfitzgerald3608]

This is an excellent video. This gentleman knows what he's doing and explains it well. This project is doable but there isn't much room to work in that engine compartment. Wear mechanic's gloves or you'll have nicks and scrapes all over your hands. If everything goes right (i.e., no stuck nuts/bolts), this guy has the process slimmed down to the minimum number of steps. Two thumbs up! Update: I bought a rebuilt alternator and it failed after 2 months. So, I'm doing this for the 2nd time. It's much easier since the nut/bolts aren't rusted into place.

[@simpsonmc]

Finished in 4 hours. Thank you so much!

[@pfeliciano6]

Finally someone with tool sizes info 💪🏼

[@t.s.9656]

This was, by far, the most thorough video I've seen. Thank you so much.

[@davidr9260]

Excellent video. Detailed step by step with a clear image. And clear instructions. Thank you!

[@georgestlc]

Just had the alternator die (some smoke and no charge output) on our i35 2003. This video was very useful in doing the replacement. Saved 2nd guessing what does or doesn't need to be removed. The video is one of the better ones I've seen. Has the info you need and great camera angles. No stupid music etc.

[@goru426]

How many miles do you have on your I35? I own a 2002 model with 200K miles and the alternator still works fine.

[@georgestlc]

@@goru426 around 120k. But there was a decent valve cover (both of them) leak and the alternator was pretty gooped up, so I'm sure that was a contributor to the failure. A week later replaced the valve covers and also put new coilpacks in and new plugs in the rear 3 since the spark plug tube seals were leaking badly. The i35 is now running like new. Just purrs.

[@richardbrady2818]

I'm now replacing the alternator for the second time, great job you did on the video, thanks

[@walkerlee121]

You're the best man this is by far the easiest instruction video to follow ever my infiniti runs better than it ever has now ty so much

[@Starseed_7]

Those who can't do ... Teach ; Sir , you are truly Excellent at both ... Thank you Very much

[@williamswenson9206]

Excellent instructional video. Thank you for all your effort.

[@illy6ix]

Been looking for a video that gets straight to the point with this thank god I found this

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Papi illest All I know is no bs content. 👌🏽 thanks for the comment.

[@REBurns]

Simply outstanding!

[@jugdhiss]

Thanks for making this video. This is the last thing I need to do before selling mine. All Nissans from the 90's and beyond are truly a pain in the A$$ to work on. Even the KA24-DE on my hardbody Nissan truck was a chore just to change the oil, Never mind changing Knock Sensors on an Infiniti VH-41DE. I uploaded the only youtube video on that.

[@mcmobius1]

I feel your pain whenchanging the oil filter on the KA24. Just changed the alt on my 03 Max...what a pain in the ass.

[@mrpayne1974]

@@mcmobius1 i have a 02 max..my alternator just went..being its almost winter i wish the ac compressor pulley wasnt needed..i would just leave it out during the winter...😏

[@kevincrowell8518]

Hey man, you saved my life today. You should be fanouuuuuussssss. Omg you are the best. I don’t know how to express my gratitude. I hope you have a good woman in your life, to show you some love. Because you deserve it. Seriously. I am speechless.

[@kevincrowell8518]

^kevin’s girlfriend^ but I used your video to replace her alternator and couldn’t have done it without this video, nice work!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Kevin Crowell thanks bro.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Kevin Crowell also thanks Kevin’s GF.

[@jasonbarrios7842]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair I’m with him on this one you saved me big time chief

[@jackierobertson1528]

Awesome video , i have watched every video on this procedure that i can find and yours is by far the most helpful . thank you.

[@jesser3705]

i just replaced my alternator on my 2003 maxima se 3,5 and it was so much easier to take off the radiator and the wheel and plastics and u have great access to it

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I’ve done it both ways many times. I wanted to post this video to show people the “correct” way as per the Nissan manual.

[@cz2468]

Just replaced mine on 03 infinity i35! Thanks for the video!!!!!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

cz2468 you’re very welcome.

[@antionemoon5088]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair 0o

[@kinpump4696]

Talks way too much

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Fast forward

[@mike4866]

Great instructional video with excellent camera work. I followed all steps and replaced the alternator on my 2003 Maxima. This video saved me hundreds of $$$. Thanks!

[@Peterbj]

Took 3 hours. Thanks!

[@badnews4Lyfe]

Great video. Going to try and fix my Pully and belt on my 2004 Infiniti i35. Perfectly explained. Hopefully I get it done

[@djbort]

Very detailed video. Thank you so much!

[@brandontripp2570]

Hello just replace my alternator on my 2002 Nissan maxima thank you for the video and being very descriptive on everything helped out a lot.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Glad you got it done.

[@JoseRodriguez-oc5xo]

Grasias amigo for this great explain video you made me save a lot of money long life to you my friend 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mr24k78]

Nice work bro! only guy who made it easy instead of removing radiator

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I have removed the radiator in the past. Done it both ways tbh. This way however is the correct way per Nissan.

[@derbycityracing2997]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair do you have to flush coolant or anything if your do it the radiator way?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

You will have to drain it out. Then refill and bleed it when done. That means more money on coolant and if it isn’t bled properly that will lead to overheating potentially. Just do it the way Nissan intended it to be done via the bottom like I have shown here.

[@jdsjds7935]

I have to do this next week to the one I just got doesn’t seem hard what tools can you recommend a magnet for sure

[@wesbrunhoeber9623]

Very detailed video. Thanks for posting.

[@XvNoahvX24]

straight to the point and very well detailed. Did have a problem with the last bolt and had to cut off the nut to get the bolt off, but other than that very good video.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Glad you were able to get it sorted.

[@DanElmer]

Thanks for making this

[@TheMitch2185]

Excellent video. Successful removal/replacement.

[@MADDOGM69]

Thanks for all your help very detailed step by step process many thanks

[@bluefeather94]

Great video. Really really well put

[@terrencejohnson9553]

This video is great. Thank you for showing each step and how to get to the hard to see and hard to get to bolts. Best video on auto repair I've seen.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks.

[@jamiecuevas4515]

Very thorough good job.

[@tonymontanea9113]

Thanks so much for the video man ur a life saver 🙏

[@RASimpson76]

Great video man. Loved how you took the time to show this step by step, including pointing out the locations in regards to the camera instead of putting your hand in the way trying to show a location on itself.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Richie Simpson Thanks! Glad you found the video useful.

[@therealjayspot628]

This was definitely a big help video

[@robertthompson9653]

Doing may alternator myself I have a stripped bolt from the previous person who replaced the one I'm replacing car was given to me it's on the compressor thankfully the one I can see the shaft what you recommend I do

[@jaestephan]

thank you so so so much for you video, excelellent.......

[@franconero181]

Very nice. Thanks!

[@BH-kp5hp]

Great video!!!

[@serotoninfunk]

Thank you for this video! Very informative and helpful. I used this guide on an infinite i35

[@koranbutler5686]

Very helpful

[@felipejimenez5724]

Yes muy bien compadre

[@americanpatriot5836]

Great video

[@TheUltimate65]

Litle more easy to do this job than the older engines i see...

[@Barry-vl8gc]

Thank you

[@JayDeePLUS-BEATZ]

Hey thanks for the video. I have a 2001 Nissan maxima that I'm getting ready to replace alternator tomorrow. I've never replaced an alternator before. I work at a full service jiffy lube and I'll be doing the work at my shop. The car has excessive under body rust. The rust is making me dread taking so many bolts unloose with a high chance of being stripped. Also having to keep up with all of the bolts and remembering which bolt goes where could be a chore. I'm thinking about going the radiator route seeing that I can use shop fluids. Going the radiator route seems to have a less chance of stripping bolts or having to cut bolts loose. The pro is I work at a jiffylube the con is I have to do the work myself. What are the cons of going the radiator route outside of needing to replace coolant ?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

No cons to the radiator route. I have done it both ways with success. Good luck.

[@nateharlan2182]

Thank you...truly

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

You’re welcome.

[@nateharlan2182]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair what is the group size for the battery? I'm about to buy a 2003 infiniti i35 off of letgo because my mazda 3's motor went out. It needs new terminals and battery

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Nate Harlan The group size is just what family size car batteries fall into. If you call any parts store they can tell you the group size you will need.

[@lashlarue7924]

Thanks for posting this. Anyone doing this job should know that most parts-store brand alternators are made of Chinesium - they’re garbage. Spend the money on a reputable NEW unit, or you’ll be doing this job again next year!

[@Domdagoat512]

I did this but I hook up the charging wire after the job was done I tried to jump it and heavy spark came from the battery area it was hopped up correctly what could be the issue causing it to spark?

[@felipejimenez5724]

Muy bien

[@michaelsilva5665]

What model alternator does a 03 Nissan Max use I need replace mine please help!! V6 3.5L

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Michael Silva Not sure the exact part number. Just go to the parts store and ask them to get you the alternator and they will have the correct one for you.

[@quintonevans1513]

How far did you have to knock the spacer in at the bottom of the alternator for the long bolt

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

A good amount to make it easier to get on. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. A few good whacks with a hammer should do it. Be careful you don’t crack the alternator body.

[@illy6ix]

Yeah I ran into a problem on the last nut to get off the alternator I stripped it and I bought the sockets to remove a stripped bolt and I broke that 😂😂😂 how would go about cutting off the nut trying not to get the bold but I don’t mind

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Papi illest Use these stripped nut removal sockets. These and the snap on set are designed VERY well. m.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-damaged-bolt-nut-remover-set-low/p-00952166000P?gclsrc=aw.ds&sid=SLIAx01191011x000001x1979005199&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx_DTmt6b5AIVmP5kCh0WhgH-EAQYAyABEgJRtvD_BwE

[@illy6ix]

Helping Hand Auto Repair yeah I finally got that pos out omg man I hate this car now I found a different set bc they don’t have those In stock the sucker came right off gonna get my alternator rebuilt then hopefully drive this sucker again sheesh

[@Fatboy53]

My battery fuse on the positive side blew after I replaced it. Question- what is the black plastic spacer ring thing called and its purpose on the b post? I think I over tightened it and one of the tabs broke off. My battery fuse is 120A. I thought I got all 4 wires back correctly. Anything else I should check?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

When you replaced the alternator, you didn’t touch any wiring right? Just disconnected it and then reconnected it when you were done? If so then there shouldn’t be any wiring issues there. The battery post connector could be getting shorted out somewhere near the battery or somewhere at that fuse. 24110-2Y000 that is the part number for a new positive battery cable. 24340-7F000 this is a new battery terminal.

[@Fatboy53]

My apologies, first off, thanks so much for the tutorial! It saved me so much time. I figured it out: there’s a black circular insulator that attaches to the b post. I put it in wrong (it’s directional sensitive) smashed it and the CCA’s shorted to the alternator body blowing the fuse. My bad. Luckily, I had the old one, put it in correctly, and voila. Again, thanks very much for the help, GREAT tutorial!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

fume glad you got it sorted.

[@kylecano1706]

I can't figure out the last bolt to save my life how do you un screw it it's square

[@logansneed2882]

I like watching people working on cars and I would like to work on cars but I really don’t know much, and when I try new stuff and mess up I get so frustrated I just want to scream

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

That’s all apart of the learning process. I have ZERO formal training for car repairs. I simply learned by doing and learning from my mistakes. Here I am 16ish years later with far more knowledge than before. You can do it! At least there are plenty of avenues for information such as YT, google, forums etc... when I started there wasn’t any of that. You’re more than welcome to ask me here and I will do my best to help you out.

[@joshmowry9269]

The pivot bolt is stuck on mine, much sad

[@ethanmoss1762]

My maxima 03 wants to start something is blocking it it’s the alternator ofcourse

[@kamerontatum4217]

Yeah I’ve done everything but I can’t get the alternator to lineup

[@kamerontatum4217]

I’ve legit been stuck on this for hours

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Wish I could help you bro. I’m not present. Maybe something is not bolted up right or try keeping the other bolt slightly loose so that you can line the other alternator bolt up.

[@bob51502001]

I am 63 yrs old, gonna remove radiator and fan shroud their easy. RnR from top. Saw a guy do it on YT. No ac remove

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I have done it both ways. Many times. This video shows the correct way per Nissan FSM. Either way is fine.

[@owenzero]

About to do my Infiniti i35. Thinking this will probably only be a 3 day project lol

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Owen Parseghian lol

[@owenzero]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair done! I went from the top actually. Took out the radiator fans. Pain getting to the bolt on the bottom of the alternator, but some how managed. Works great!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Owen Parseghian yea the 6th gen maximas you can remove the fans and radiator it’s a little easier. These ones I’ve always found removing them from the bottom is faster for me at least. Either way the design isn’t very good but that’s FWD V6 layout problems. At least it isn’t a Jetta. You have to remove the entire front bumper and radiator support just to replace the alternator 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kevinwyman7046]

I also had to go at this from the top, removing the fans and the radiator, as the top right bolt on my AC Compressor is rounded, and wouldn't break no matter what I tried. 6-point socket, knurl grip socket, bolt extractor socket, all of these were tried after hitting it with PB Blaster overnight, wouldn't break. Going at it from the top makes the bottom alternator bolt a real pain to access, mostly when reinstalling but I managed. It helped, very slightly, removing the metal guard in front of the intake manifold. All in all though, not an easy job and very annoying design but if you have patience, it could save you $300

[@owenzero]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair don't get me started on Jettas. Nightmare engine bays.

[@dallasbarnett26]

What alternator did you purchase?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Dalt am Orielly replacement

[@dallasbarnett26]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair Was it the Ultima alternator because I had the O'Reilly Ultima Alternator put on and it gave out 2 days ago. And I've seen posts about the voltage regulator going out.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Dalt Honestly Nissan OE parr’s are best. Aftermarket parts can fail and sometimes do very quickly. At least there is a warranty so that you can exchange it for free.

[@dallasbarnett26]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair I am thinking of getting a Napa premium alternator or should I get my oem rebuilt?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Dalt honestly whichever brand you prefer. If they are aftermarket they are all the same. Napa, Orielly, Autozone. Either OE Nissan or aftermarket

[@vitomani8788]

It’s easy to take out radiator and wark from the top

[@Preach22]

Is there any videos on how to do that? I couldn’t find any info and just bought a pair of jack and jack stands but would like to know if possible how you can do it from the top

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I’ve done this both ways plenty of times. My video shows the “correct way” via Nissan FSM. Removing the radiator just involves draining the radiator and the. Removing the upper and lower radiator hoses and cooling fans and transmission cooler lines. Then removing the radiator from the car.

[@Mabeylater293]

How many miles?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

170k

[@codychavarria6088]

Is this the same for 2003 Maxima ???

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

The title says 2003. Yes.

[@codychavarria6088]

@HelpingHandAutoRepair yes I know, some research say 99- 2002 thats why I asked

[@RaJahDathurr]

What alternator did you replace it with?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

An Orielly unit.

[@RaJahDathurr]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair thank you, how is the o'reilly alternator holding up now? And was it rebuilt or brand new?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

They only sell reman units for this car AFAIK. It is still working just fine.

[@RaJahDathurr]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair good to know , thanks

[@ralphpolo8612]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair i bought an alternator had it 4months..i need to man up an change it...im in nyc its cold out😳

[@josephnewburgh8531]

Who designed this car? Rube Goldberg!!!

[@Willybubba185]

Anyone still on here? I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE, replaced the battery and the alternator. Once done, battery light and tire pressure light flickers on and off, doesn’t stay fully on but does flicker on and off? Any help

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Possibly a loose connection on the alternator or battery. Or a loose connection on the back of the cluster.

[@Willybubba185]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair Soon after all that I went for another drive and noticed my serpentine belt squealed, so I went back under and re adjusted the tensioner pulley. Now before I parked it for the night I went for a drive and there was no longer a squeal or lights coming on the dash. Could that have been what it was, just a loose belt and pulley?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

@@Willybubba185 100% if the belt wasn’t tight enough, it was just barely driving the alternator. Now that it is tighter, it should be driving the alternator appropriately. The Tire pressure monitor could very well come back if there is in fact a low tire or a faulty tire pressure sensor.

[@sydneysaephan5058]

Hey Marcus

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Who is this?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Jack?

[@judahlion2067]

That tensioner has to be correct with that belt if not you gonna burn that alternator up

[@sydneysaephan5058]

It’s Jack lol small world

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

lol, well hello.

[@adampilgrim3579]

Can't figure out the gd clip at 19 mins how the he'll do I get it off the bracket

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Adam Pilgrim I show you exactly where to probe the clip with a thin screw driver. It shouldn’t be too difficult to get out.

[@genom27]

Typical Nissan with the cramped difficult to service engine bay.

[@jovehill8445]

You did so well until putting the alternator back up, i have no idea what you’re doing up top when the camera is on bottom screw me

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Really can’t get in there. If you took it off, it would just go back on the same way.

[@jovehill8445]

I got it that day and was working on my car and not happy. I apologize for my comment

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

No worries. Glad you got it sorted. Cars suck to work on sometimes for sure.

[@UN_REAL_POP_SINGER_777]

Did i win anything for being the 500th like😂😃😇? Even though this video was from 2 years ago, i barely seen it today.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

You get a crisp high five

[@UN_REAL_POP_SINGER_777]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair 😂✋

[@SpicedRumFLHXSE]

You just saved me a pointless repair on a vehicle not worth the time or money. Off for sale as-is it goes.

[@mistarealitee74]

That's a lot of work for a novice. Sheesh. I'd rather pay someone

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

It was a fair amount of work. However I have also done a fair amount of work over the years. This wasn’t too bad. Saved this lady a little money by not having to take it to a shop.

[@mistarealitee74]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair u wanna do mine?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I would if you were local. Not for free of course lol.

[@mistarealitee74]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair of course I'd pay you 🤑

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Well I’m in California.

[@isaiahellis5481]

Ohio9__u

[@tinoezmartin2409]

What a nightmare!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Davidson Martinez lol agreed!

[@judahlion2067]

I see why thats a 400 plus job

[@Torriotorres]

Shouldn't go under when its not necessary. Always go through the top.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Lol, this is dumb logic. Jacking up a car and getting to the alternator is exactly how Nissan intended for it to be done. Lots of people have removed the radiator, drained all the coolant to do this. It can be done both ways. But to say it’s not necessary is a stretch

[@bluefeather94]

Thank you