Nissan Repair: 91 maxima electrical system gone haywire, radio speakers, puff of smoke

Question
I have a 91 maxima with 99,000 miles. I started it and a squealing came from the radio speakers. When I honked the horn  the windshield wipers came on, the car started stuttering and a puff of smoke came from the right hand corner of my dash. So far, I've checked for burnt wires where the smoke came from, replaced the horn, shift lock, electron bat, and electron ign fuses and the fusable link wire on the positive battery terminal which runs to the relay box. I still have no power windows, turn signals, horn, radio, or dome light. When I start the car the fuses for electron bat and electron ign keep blowing and the fusable link wire gets really hot. I tested the alternator at the battery which read 14.7 to 14.8 volts. I also cleaned the battery ground at the engine.


Answer
Skip,

The voltage output seems a bit high since it should be at 14.2 volts max and that is at two grand and not idle.  So, if you are getting the reading at idle it must be getting really high.  Replace the voltage regulator and start over.  If you have a coil that is internally shorting that could cause the ignition problem with fuses popping.  But, check the alternator first. If you can get the car to Autozone or Checker they will do a free electrical inspection with their machine and let you know for sure.