Murano 2006 Alternator Charging system power loss please help!

[Jerry32]

I have a 2006 Murano S with approx. 66,000 miles.
I have been having intermittent power failures for a few weeks--the car would start in a.m. but then when restarting after shopping or wherever--there would be nothing-no clicking-no power inside lights etc. included.
I thought it might be loose battery connection and after just moving the
cables a little everything would be back to normal.
Yesterday however the car stalled while driving and I had to jump start several times just to get home. It was more of an electrical outage--flashing lights before stalling which made me think it may be alternator possibly, but hoping instead for a new battery as it was a few years old. I purchased and installed battery and started right up and drove a few miles. I decided to go back to auto parts store to get alternator tested as saw sign for that and am attaching test results-hope you can decipher.

The battery and starter were good--but the charging system test showed:
No Voltage--Drain Test Results: 3.18A Suspect
I assumed that this meant I needed an alternator and the tester said yes though something else is draining the power from the alternator--he called it an electrical leak. I asked if I could drive it home or even make a few short trips and he said he thought the alternator would last about weeks.

I have driven a few trips and today I had a power outage while drivng--just a short loss of power, then the car started right up--yesterday I thought at one point there was a loss of power--the car didnt die but for a second seemed like nothing there when I pressed accelerator but just resumed normal driving.
However after today don't think I want to drive anymore and would appreciate any help on diagnostics--what's causing this--should I just replace alternator or any suggestions..thanks so much!

[Pilgrim]

First, get a battery terminal brush and clean your battery terminals and the inside of the cable clamps. This only takes 5-10 minutes. Re-install the clamps as quickly as possible and try it out.

Next - you need a digital voltmeter. If you don't have one, buy one. You can get them at Radio Shack, Home Depot and Lowe's or any auto parts store. An auto-ranging one is best, as it will automatically adjust its display for you and will be handy for both home and automotive chores.

Check voltage between positive and negative terminals with car off. You should get readings in the range of 12 to 12.5 volts. (If under 12, the battery is not fully charged and the car probably won't start. Get a Schumacher battery charger from an auto parts store and charge the battery for a few hours.)

Start the car and re-check voltage between + and - terminals with the car running. It MUST be 14 volts or higher. If it's under 14V your alternator is not charging properly. Cars use a battery which is nominally 12V, but when the car is running the system is operating at a bit more than 14V. If you don't see 14V with the car running, your alternator is on the fritz.

BTW - you can replace an alternator. It doesn't have to be a dealer service, and it doesn't have to be a Nissan alternator. NAPA parts work great.

[Jerry32]

Thanks so much for your response.
I did as you suggested, got a terminal brush from auto parts store and
brushed everything real well. I recently bought a digital meter and when car was off it registered 12.44+ & with motor running it was close to 14.00--varying from 13.95-13.98. I decided to then turn on headlights and A/C and it then registered in high 1100's only!
Does that mean new alternator?
Thanks again!

[Pilgrim]

I'm about 98% sure that means new alternator. It's obviously not able to work under load. 11V is completely inadequate.

And I don't buy NEW alternators. I only install rebuilt ones or have a local electrical shop rebuild the one I have. NAPA is a good source for alternators.

And that digital meter will come in real handy over the years....it is a good way to test fuses (continuity) and even wall current. You will find uses for it.

[TopazM3]

early Gen 1 Muranos had a rather high rate of alternator failures, even at low mileage. IIRC there was some sort of service action or a span where there may have been a recall.

Don't know if there are rebuilds available. They generally are fine.