87 maxima all dash warning lights stay on

Strange as this may sound, is the key old and a copy of a copy of a copy? Some old worn keys may cause the lock cylinder to turn hard and it may not be returning all the way to the run position (Enough to stop the starter, but not enough to shut off the lamp test ckt). If the key does not move easily, make sure it's turned to the proper run position.

Gary K

This is normally a sign of an alternator failure.

if that was the case wouldn't the mechanical guage on the dash for the alternator show it? it seems to me fine?

the key is old. I was thinking that could be the problem. I think I have the original key somewhere .I will try that. could it be the lock cylinder that is worn? I dont want to replace that if i dont have to

Quick follow up,. I found and tried the original key that is not worn. The same thing still happens. all the lights go on and stay on at start up. but the voltage, fuel, temp etc. dash guages all show OK.

Do you think the switch used to check the warning lamps at start up is worn out?

any other ideas? I dont mind driving with all the lamps on and just checking the dash guages. but if this problem is a sign of something serious i would want to have it looked at.

If the key turns easily, the odds are it's not the key/lock, it is kind of a longshot, but a cheap one. to check out!

gary k

thanks for the reply Gary,

I checked out some other posts with similar problem and most say it is the altenator?

I dont see how the volt guage would show in the normal range if this was the case. what do you think?

also you said "it is kind of a longshot, but a cheap one. to check out! " in your message. do you mean have the lock cylinder replaced?

Not always. Like I said 99% of the time when all the light are on, the regulator in the alternator is toast. That gauge on the dash isn't really very accurate, you need to have it tested. I've seen them OVER charge with all the lights on, the gauge looks fine and the owner kept driving only to burn up EVERTHING electronic on the car which totalled it.

If you've tried another key, or wiggled yours, it's not the key/cylinder. I suspect it's time to look elsewhere (Steve T and nisstech are very wise in these areas)

Gary K

thanks Steve

I will make an appointment today to have my mechanic check it out. ASAP.

I wouldnt want my 87 maxima to burn up ! I need to squeeze a few more years out of it !

thanks I will report back on what he finds out.

Altenator it is !. The mechanic wants $ 410 to replace. does that sound high?

Is he using a nissan dealer reman? To diagnose and replace with a dealer reman, that's not an absurd price although sounds a tad on the high side. Then again it depends where you live and what the local labor rates are. Steve

He used a dealer part. Also I think the labor rates are high here in MA.

It ended up costing $493.00 ! $177.00 for the part and the rest was labor !!!

I remember when I could run to auto parts store and replace one of those myself on my old cars of the 70s !

not so anymore

I never noticed that the alternator is buried down low on side of the motor on this model (87 maxima). so I guess 3-4 hours total labor is not out of the question.

Thanks again for your advise and help.