something draining battery - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Automotive Wiring and Electrical

bhsnc
New User

Nov 14, 2013, 2:47 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1315 views)

something draining battery	Sign In

1999 Lumina If car sits for 24 hrs. or so battery dies. New battery, had cables, alt. , starter, all checked, all Good. Can disconnect negative cable and doors lock, is this normal ? No check engine light comes on while this happens.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Nov 14, 2013, 3:31 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1305 views)

Re: something draining battery	Sign In

It sounds like you may have a parasitic draw.

There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.

You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Nov 14, 2013, 5:01 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1298 views)

Re: something draining battery	Sign In

Do the door locks work?

Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

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