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battery drain problem

Old May 5, 2008 | 02:23 PM
  #1  
silver0306's Avatar
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From: Erie, Pa
battery drain problem

i have a problem with my battery draining in a two hour period. i jumpstart the car run it for 1/2 hour then shut it off. Now if i try and restart it right away it will start but if i wait an hour or so it turns over 3 or 4 times and starts clicking. I can let it set for 3 or 4 days and it still turns over 3 or 4 times and clicks. So the battery never completely dies. ive tested the alt and its putting out 14-17 volts. so i took off the negitive battery cable and put a volt ohm meter between the battery and the cable and set it to 500 mA and it pegs the meter. so i have a major draw somewhere pulled all fuses and relays nothing what else am i missing problem started after i changed plugs and wires i took out the alt starter power steering pump and battery Help please
Old May 5, 2008 | 02:38 PM
  #2  
Fuel Fire Desire's Avatar
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From: michigan
500mA is too low of a setting. I think the alt on my camaro is an 80 amp unit. Though Ive had other GM's with 120 amp ratings.


If its not the alt, its most likely a bad ground somewhere. Do you have an aftermarket stereo?
Old May 5, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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he is saying that there is 500 ma of draw.


I would follow the alt and starter wires. Especially the main 8 guage wires running around the starter. You can also start pulling things off the fusible link to see if u find the draw. Your doing the test correctly, just make sure u have the door closed.
Old May 5, 2008 | 04:51 PM
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no aftermarket stero. where are the fuseable links??
Old May 5, 2008 | 08:57 PM
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Sections of wire that are designed to fail under high loads to prevent electrical fires.


Kind of like a fuse, but not replaceable, and integrated within the wire harness. Last line of defense.
Old May 6, 2008 | 07:22 AM
  #6  
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Do you see the red box on your inner fender with two bolts inside it? It should have several power leads attached.

Start on the wires that originally caused the problem though. Disconnect the starter and check the draw. Repeat for alt..... etc etc
Old May 6, 2008 | 08:22 AM
  #7  
teke184's Avatar
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From: US 1 Mile Marker 52 in the Florida Keys
sure the alt isn't pulling the power?

i've seen a bad alt drain a brand new battery in a few hours.
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