RICOiz704

When I start the car the radio reprograms and I lose all radio stations. Also the FOB isn't working..maybe it's the battery but it coincedently stop working when the clock went out and when the radio stop holding programs.

Any help is appreciated

Daniel B. Martin

Is this problem intermittent or "solid"?

Have you added any aftermarket electrical accessories recently? If so, what were they and to which circuit were they added?

Has there been any recent repair history?

How old is the battery?

Does the engine crank at normal speed and start the engine easily?

Has the car ever been in a crash?

If you were to disconnect the battery the clock and radio both get "amnesia". Therefore your symptom sounds as if both clock and radio lost power but we don't know why or when. What I mean is, did they lose power momentarily some time when the engine was off, or did this happen as a consequence of starting the engine? Please do some checking to generate more clues.

1) Check fuse #40 (7.5 amps). The passenger cabin fuse block is located behind a pull-out panel in the lower dashboard, to the left of the steering column. It has three columns of fuses.
Numbered from bottom to top....
- the left-hand column contains fuses 1 - 11
- the middle column contains fuses 12 - 26
- the right-hand column contains fuses 27 - 40

2) Turn the ignition to ON but don't crank to start. Try the clock and radio. Good or NG?

3) Your Maxima is a 5-speed, right? Try parking on a hill and roll-starting the engine. After the engine starts try the clock and radio. Good or NG?

RICOiz704

I did replace the bulbs in the rear tail lights but it was a pretty routine procedure....I also checked fuses last night but will double check the one you directed to me to. The radio works fine but just don't remember the program stations and as I stated the clock is just not there...weird...but also are any of these tied to the same fuse..FOB, CLOCK, RADIO programs

Thanks Daniel for you help

Daniel B. Martin

That's what I meant by "amnesia". It "forgets" the radio station pre-sets.

Fuse #40 powers a multi-purpose circuit which involves more things that I can list. It powers the clock timekeeping function (but not clock illumination). It powers the radio station pre-set memory. It powers various functions which are tied to the Body Control Module. It powers all sorts of things... if you want to find out, just pull fuse #40 (temporarily) and see the many things that don't work.

All of your clues point to a problem with that circuit. Possibilities include ...
- bad fuse
- broken wire
- loose connector
- momentary battery voltage drop

Please carry out the tests previously mentioned. In addition, measure the voltage across the battery ...
- before cranking the engine
- while cranking the engine
- after the engine starts

loudmaxima

It powers the clock timekeeping function (but not clock illumination).

what does the illumination come off of..? i figured it was just because i had diff headunit ...it does come on like once a month and it does keep the correct time though ...

RICOiz704

Thanks Daniel...I will check those this evening after work and i'll let you know of my progresss


I appreciate your help

Daniel B. Martin

Power for clock illumination comes through fuse #18 (7.5 amps). Please see the Haynes repair manual, page 12-42 and 12-43.

Daniel B. Martin

The information previously provided came from the '99 Maxima factory service manual. You did not specify the year of your Maxima. I assume (but do not know for sure) your car is wired the same way.

RICOiz704

Sorry for the lack of information...my vehicle is a 96 Maxima SE