Nissan Repair: Nissan Murano, nissan murano, electrical inspection

Question
QUESTION: Hi Von,
Today morning when I cranked the car was not starting and I noticed the cables to battery was loose. I shook the cables and the car started. I drove the car for about 15miles and while on the move suddenly the car became dead. The engine got switched off, the brake/gear all were literally not functioning and the car was rolling @ 20KMP speed..some how i managed to stop the car by running it over a sand wall. When I shook the cables the lights came on but the car was not starting. I would appreciate if you could please advise the issue and how we can stop a car in such a situation.
regards, Raj,Dubai

ANSWER: Raj,

Have the battery inspected.  Autozone or Checker will do a free electrical inspection.  If the battery is defective you should be done.  If not they will tell you if the alternator is defective.  Email me back and let me know what if found.

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QUESTION: Hi Von,
Really so worried of driving auto transmission vehicles...is it common if batter/alternator fails the car could not be stopped? or how far it is advisable to apply hand brake in similar situations.
I have bought a CRV today and planning of selling my dearest Murano..but I would let you know what was d issue
thanks,raj

ANSWER: Raj,

All you have to do is put it in neutral if things get stuck.  Let me know how it goes on the Murano.

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QUESTION: Hi Von,
I could not take the car to service station for checking. However, it is noted that when car is off for a while it wont get started and need to jump start it (i had attempted to jump start a car for abt 20mts a couple of days..had it drained my battery?). But no indication in d dash about low battery..what could be the reason.. and how a car can move for abt 500metres if the engine is down and with no power..

Answer
Raj,

There is something draining your battery or your battery is defective or the alternator is going out.  I would think a defective battery since your car is relatively new.  The instruments would not show the state of the battery unless the car is running and if the battery is almost going out, as you indicate, it will show no signs.  The car has a constant velocity transmission and 500 meters would be no problem for it to coast that far.  Have the battery inspected and let me know what they find.