Q: I own a 2000 Nissan Maxima. The problem is that the battery light is illuminating intermittently. I replaced the 8-year old battery and the problem is still there. I brought it back to Nissan and they couldn't find anything wrong. One time I drove the car, the light stayed on for a long time and the battery ended up needing a charge. The dealer thinks it might be the alternator, but that's an expensive item to be guessing on. What do you think? -- L.G., Vernon Hills

A: L.G., I would make sure the electrical connections at the alternator are clean and tight before having it replaced. If you plan on disconnecting the connections to clean them yourself, make sure you disconnect the battery's negative terminal first. Otherwise, the metal tool you use could contact another metal surface and make sparks or blow a fuse. If the connections to the alternator are clean and tight, and the problem is still there, you likely do need a new alternator. Sometimes the voltage regulator, which controls alternator output, or loose connections to the regulator can cause intermittent charging problems. However, the voltage regulator in your Maxima is not mounted externally. Instead, it's mounted inside the alternator. By the way, Alldata's labor/time guide lists alternator replacement for your Maxima at 1.6 hours. Multiply the 1.6 by the shop's labor rate and you'll know approximately how much the shop should be charging you for labor. The price of a replacement alternator ranges from about $200 - $300.

Q: I own a 1993 Infiniti G20. The problem is that I have to add antifreeze to the radiator, but I don't see anything leaking out. It runs great and provides good heat and I love the car. What do you think could be wrong? Also, do you know anybody selling a '77 Dodge Aspen Special Edition? I once had one and I'd like to get another one. -- Sue, Chicago

A: Sue, the antifreeze has to be going somewhere. If you don't see any leaking on the ground, I'd be concerned that maybe the antifreeze is leaking into the engine's combustion chamber. If that's the case, you'd likely see lots of thick white smoke coming from the tailpipe. While it's normal to see white smoke (from condensation) when starting and operating a cold engine during frigid temperatures, the smoke should diminish as the engine warms up. If the smoke remains thick after lengthy driving, I would be concerned. It could be due to a leaking cylinder head gasket or cracked engine block or cylinder head. Take your Infiniti in for a thorough inspection. The cooling system should be pressurized to see if it holds pressure, and to see where the antifreeze is going. As for the question about the '77 Dodge Aspen, I don't know anyone selling one. But you may find one by searching the internet and/or looking at www.hemmings.com

Q: The blower motor in my 2001 Ford Crown Victoria stopped working. I don't have an owner's manual. Do you know if there's a fuse for the blower motor? -- D.H., Park Forest

A: D.H., yes, there's a 30-amp fuse (#18) in the Central Junction Box, which is below the instrument panel to the left of the steering column.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708/633-6839 or e-mail Autoadvisr@aol.comAutoAdviser: Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician