Any tips for finding battery drain-down
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Any tips for finding battery drain-down
I remember some time ago reading a few tips on how to isolate the wiring circuit that might be draining a battery (apart from looking for the obvious lamp not shutting off, etc). Anybody remember what the procedures are for this?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (ettev)
First charge your battery and load test it to make sure it isn't just failing to hold a charge. With everything turned off, remove the negative cable and touch it to the negative post to check for a small spark. If you get a small arc, I would try pulling the fuses one at a time and check for an arc at the negative cable each time. Also, disconnect your alternator, and do the "arc test." Alternators have isolation diodes in them to keep them from discharging the battery when the engine isn't running. If the isolation diode shorts, the alternator will charge normally; but when you leave the engine off, over a period of time the battery will discharge through the alternator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (ettev)
If you have a AMP meter, install it between the + battery post and + battery lead (removed from battery of course). If there's a battery drain, it will show current flow. Then start pulling fuses one at a time until current flow stops. Whatever is on that circut is causing your drain. A wiring diagram will help at this point.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (Duke94)
If you have a AMP meter, install it between the + battery post and + battery lead (removed from battery of course).
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (Russ Bellinis)
Alternators have isolation diodes in them to keep them from discharging the battery when the engine isn't running.
