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Firstly, thanks to this forum, the 4 year restoration of my basket case 72 convertible is 99% complete. I could not have done it with out the collective wisdom of
the many good folks on this forum that actually know what they are doing!
My issue is two fold, and may be related. My expensive, new battery started losing charge after sitting idle for a few days. Checked the battery, it is good.
Started tracing the issue based on all the good advice from the forum. Hooked test light to neg cable and neg post, and light came on. Pulled every fuse,
light stayed on. Disconnected alternator, light stayed on. Got frustrated and installed a battery cut off switch, and decided to live with it. Fast forward
a couple of months and for some reason I decided to turn on the wipers by sliding the switch. Wipers would not come on. But when I pushed the washer button,
the wipers came on. I replaced the wiper switch, same issue. My question, could these two issues related? If not, any ideas on why the wipers are behaving this way?
Of course the wiper switch was plugged in backwards! Now it works as it should. And of course the horn was not working, just the relay clicking. You guys are good!
Have a new relay ordered, will report back when installed. Thanks!
If the horn button switch has been making contact for a few days, then your horn relay will be toast. I know because my horn button switch broke, so smart me unplugged both horns. When the replacement horn button switch came in the horns wouldn’t sound. It was like holding the horn button down for two weeks, the relay was melted.
Horn relay replaced, horn working properly now, really thought that was the culprit, but test light still indicates a battery drain.
Where/how should I start tracking it down?
Do you have the oem clock, with solenoid that winds mainspring? Another test is to closely inspect car during nighttime hours or in a dark garage, check inside and outside of the vehicle. On one of my cars, I changed the interior bulbs to leds, latter on I go out one night and noticed one of the courtesy lights, remained on, even after all the others were off.
On our C3 the door switches are problematic to say the least. Does your alarm system work?
Possibly, if the key switch is turned to the “ON” position and the relay is energized, and the Large Alarm Horn under the rear drivers fender was removed or dead. I am not sure how much current the relay would draw, maybe Richard will chime in. Do you have the stock radio?
Wiper Switch Issue - Battery Drain
