QuestionQUESTION: My wonderful girlfriend decided she wanted to buy a car and bought the first thing she thought she liked. It was used from god knows where.
1995 Nissan Altima.
There was no stereo when she bought it so she purchased one and while I was trying to install it I noticed there wasnt a fuse in the cigar lighter spot. Upon inserting a fuse it immediately popped and the heater blower stopped working. as well the parking lights now come on when I press the brake and the battery is slowly draining. (ie had to jumpstart) Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Od,
The radio needs to be rewired. Nissan uses a floating ground and that causes many problems since things that seem to be ground turn into power when the key is turned on. Correct the radio wiring and replace the fuses and you should be fine.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It wasn't the radio fuse that had pooped, it was the cigar plug. I spent yesterday extensively looking through all the wiring, attempting to trace the wiring for the cigar plug that popped, and all other wiring related to my problems. I also checked all the fuses and check them for power as well. The stereo was installed and worked perfectly. The blower is getting power and the relay on it (behind glove box) has continuity, but still not working. I'm thinking maybe the switch? but How would that cause the parking lights to come on when the brake is depressed? I have completely disconnect the stereo and there is still a drain on the battery. I was told in another place to check a control unit on the steering column but cannot find any such thing nor can I find it in my Chilton manual.
~Unfortunately since this occurred when I jump started it yesterday it sounded like there was a rattle/clank in a valve on the first cylinder on the passenger side. The vehicle has oil but I am very concerned.
Thank you so much for your previous answer I truly appreciate your time and knowledge!
AnswerThe cigarette lighter is switched power. If something is powered off the same circuit it will overload it, under certain conditions. This assessory is a stand alone circuit. The blower has a resistor on the blower case and if that is cooked the blower will not work. Otherwise, the switch or the blower is defective. Check the blower by powering it with a length of wire. If the number one cylinder or valves are making noise try changing the oil to synthetic and see if the noise goes away. Otherwise, remove the valve cover and check the valve lash for specification. The steering wheel is not going to drain the battery. Charge the battery and go to Autozone or Checker for a free electrical inspection. If the alternator or voltage regulator is defective they will find it for you.
