So I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder I feel stupid on asking this, but how can I check to see if my nator isn’t nating anymore. Could I remove the negative terminal on the vehicle while it’s running. If I did that would it cause any damage to my vehicle? Reason why I’m asking is because I got an alert on my obd2 device stating that the battery was critical I fired the truck up it went green. I turned it off the battery was at 12.5 12.8 I turned it off hooked a multimeter to it and it dropped down to 11.8. So would unhooking it cause any damage to the computer while the vehicle is running.
Please start at the very beginning. What are the symptoms you are experiencing with your vehicle?
Never unhook any part of your charging system while the vehicle is running.
You need to stop in at your local battery dealer or part store (like autozone) for a free test.
I turned it off the battery was at 12.5 12.8 ...
I turned it off hooked a multimeter to it and it dropped down to 11.8.
This part thoroughly confused me. Which one was it? Was the voltage 12.5, 12.8 or 11.8 V after you shut off the vehicle? Or was it actually going up an down?
Either way, if the battery dipped to 11.8V, then something is wrong. The battery has gone bad or there's a serious drain on it.
Yesterday after driving my vehicle I get a notification on my phone saying my battery condition is critical and in the red. I turn my vehicle on it goes back to green the avg charge as been 12.9v
I guess I did it wrong but my battery said critical then I turn the truck on and it goes green avg charge has been 12.9 but it dropped to 12.5
Ok after I turned the truck off and the battery was disconnected it dropped to 11.8
OK let me see if I'm following correctly ...
The Pathfinder charging system voltage (according to your OBD device) when the vehicle running is 12.5V?
If yes, then you should get your system tested like I previously suggested.
But the vehicle is starting normally every day?
It struggled when I got that notification. But then fired right off as normal closest autozone sadly is 30 min drive
So struggling to start is what I meant when I asked about symptoms.
It doesn't need to be an autozone. Many mechanics, auto part dealers, or car battery stores will test your car as a courtesy. Call around. If Autozone is the only thing, then I guess you're going for a drive. More than likely, you're going to be buying a battery or alternator, or both anyway so you'll be in the right place.