After alternator replacement, clock, alarm and radio antenna no longer work

[evanchaney]

The electronics in my 1997 Nissan Maxima slowly powered off on me while I was driving down the highway the other day—the whole dash, including the radio, just faded out.

It ended up that the alternator had failed and my battery had run out. I had the alternator replaced. After getting my car back from the shop, however, the dashboard clock is completely black, the keyless entry/alarm no longer works and the radio antenna no longer raises or lowers. Otherwise, the car powers on and runs without issue.

A coworker suggested some fuses may have been blown. I checked the most likely fuses and found no open ones.

What other quick fixes or troubleshooting should I try before taking my car back to the shop?

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO.

The clock and antenna both run through fuse #40 (7.5A) http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/ma...t.pdf (see fuse block).

As for your alarm, diagnosis can be found on page EL-240 http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1997/EL.pdf

[loystock]

It's not a good idea to run down a lead-acid battery. Battery cells sulphation can lead to premature battery failure at the same time impose a burden on the new alternator. The 'dead' battery should have been charged while awaiting for the alternator to be replaced.

Since you already know the Fuse Box location, check the ACCESSORY relay as well as CB-1. Both of them are located close to the fuses. To be sure, check the continuity of the fuses. Any one of those,(fuses, CB-1 and ACC relay) can give problem as you have described.

There is no harm in checking the relays and fusible link in the engine compartment.