Dash Lights, Indicators, Radiator Fan out.

[spthomas]

We have several, but not all, electrical systems not working on this 1998 Altima. Here's what happened:

INITIAL PROBLEM: Car suddenly died. On examination, the serpentine belt would not turn, and car would not start. After trying to start the car and find out what was holding the belt, the belt started turning suddenly, and the car started. But, right after it started, sparks flew from the alternator for a few seconds, and the dash lights and dash indicators went out.

We guessed it was the alternator that caused the belt to seize up, so we took it off and sure enough, the bearing was worn out and freezing up. So we had the alternator rebuilt, and put it back in.

But now, still the dash lights and gauges are still dead, Lights, gauges, radio are dead. When we started the car, it overheated because the electric radiator fans are also out. But the taillights, headlights, and ignition appear to be ok.

Fuses in the fusebox seem fine. So what would cause dash lights, gauges, indicators, radio, and fan to all be dead? I didn't see any wires burned at the alternator or anywhere else obvious. But it seems something has broken a circuit very close the the battery? I guess there are fuses and fusible links under the hood?

Steve

[Cellmice2]

Damn i just ran into this problem too after my battery died out on me and i keep messing with the wires to see if i can get juice out of it. Now none of my dash works either hoping someone can shine some light into what the problem could be.

[spthomas]

I guess this must be difficult. I haven't had any ideas from anyone on 3 different boards. I'm guessing since there is a common point of failure of several systems that something like a fuse or fusible link is blown pretty close to the battery. But I don't know where any of that is on this car.

[Cellmice2]

i'm just wondering where this fuse is at that stop my dash gauge, power windows/door, turn signals, air/heating fan. Strange that my headlight cd player and hazards are still working. Really hope someone knows.

[jserrano]

Without even taking a look at the schematics I am very certain you are going to find one or more burnt fusible links. Only they will take out full branches of unrelated circuits. The biggest 100amp fusible link is usually the one to go when the alternator is shorted. The fusebox is next to the battery.

So go through all the engine bay fusible link box and start testing all the fusible links in them. I'm tied up right now but I can get more specific later on if you need further help.

[Cellmice2]

Thanks jserrano that was the problem. After replacing that fuse everything went back on, just hard to remove those 2 damn screws at a angle.