Nissan Repair: 92 Nissan Maxima, negative battery cable, alternator problem

Question
QUESTION: Von, my 92 Nissan Maxima won't start. When I first tried to jump it the car turned over and ran however as soon as I disconnected the negative cable from the engine block the car stopped. Thinking it was a battery issue I replaced the battery and now when I connect the negative battery cable I get a clicking in the 3 "ignition coil fuses" located on the two sides of the car and right in front of the battery and when I turn the key nothing happens. The car won't crank, turn over, start nothing...but all the lights work. I've been told I need to replace the alternator but I am also concerned about these "fuses". Do they (fuses) have anything to do with the alternator? Do they need replacing as well? Is this just an alternator problem or is there something else wrong with the vehicle? Please help, Thank you. Roni

ANSWER: Roni,

The alternator seems like it needs replacement.  I would check the fuses and fuse links at the positive side of the battery terminal first to see if some of these have blown.  It is probably a combination of the alternator going bad and then the reduced voltage output overheating the fuses.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the response Von. We are trying to put the alternator belt back on and the belt seems to be to small. Again it's a 92 maxima and the part number is 4040305. When the tension release is moved to what should be it's most loose position it still won't fit over the alternator and crank shaft pulley. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the belt on or is this the wrong part because it seems so small? I should let you know we didn't take the belt off, it was already off so we're replacing it without knowing how to reverse what was previously done. The Chilton's guide doesn't exactly show the diagram for the car we have. Do you how to get this piece to fit?

Answer
Roni,

Check the alternator to make sure the pulley is the same diameter first.  Second, the alternator is mounted the same way as the other alternator?  Next, the tensioner pulley is all the way loose so the belt will fit?  If nothing works then unscrew the bolt that holds the pulley and take it loose making sure not to miss any of the washers and put it back on once the belt is over it.  If this fails go to the store with your old belt and get another one a half inch longer.