Nissan Repair: 1992 Pathfinder (electrical poblems), digital voltmeter, fuse one

Question
Hi Calvin,
The lights on my pathfinder (SE V6) are not working right, I get the day lights,then when I turn on the headlights there is no change, although when turning on the high beams they seem to work. I tried to check the relays, (by the fuse box)I took them out and put them back now I have no day lights and no headlights and only one high beam. The reason that I have even been checking these lights is because there is a heavy drain on the battery, after about 2-3 hours of leaving the battery hooked up its dead. The battery is new and I also put in a new alternator and starter. The truck starts now but this battery drain is leading me to think that the drain is from the headlights or I did something wrong putting in the alternator. I hope that you will have some suggestions for me? Just found this site and its great!!! Thanks

Answer
Hi Warren -

I have no idea of why the lights are not working properly after removal and replacement of the relays. Did you take them out one by one and ensure that each relay went back exactly where it was taken out? Makes a difference.

As for the drain, you will need a digital voltmeter that measure MA (milliamps). Remove the battery negative terminal and connect the leads of the voltmeter between the terminal of the battery and the disconnected cable. Ensure all accessories are off, doors closed, key out of the ignition. Wait 30 seconds and measure voltage. There should be no more than 35 MA. If you have more than that, it is a substantial battery drain. Remove each fuse one by one, and repeat the procedure with each fuse (replace after each test) until you get the desired reading, and then you have found the defective circuit.

If all circuits are good (meaning if you have a reading of 35MA or less), then the battery is not holding its charge and needs to be replaced.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin