Battery keeps dying
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: LK. Hopatcong NJ
Battery keeps dying
I have a 1988 automatic coupe. The batt will die with in 3-4 days if not on a trickle charger. Batt is new, the same thing happened with the old batt. I checked for int. lights staying on,visor lights,under hood lights. Nothing, all checks out ok. I pulled all the fuses out of fuse box and tested for power with ignition switch in off position. I had power to the first "top" circuit breaker/relay, the second breaker and the fourth. The thrid was dead. I have power to TAIL 10amp fuse, LCD 5AMP, BRAKE 10AMP, STOP 20AMP, CTSY/CLOCK can not read amps, worn out. I dont know witch one should have power or not. Can any one help? Mike
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
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From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
Have you had the battery checked to make sure that you don't have a bad battery? I've bought a few from Sears that were junk right off the shelf so don't rule the "new battery" out so kwikly.
Also, check to see that your ignition switch on the column is seated in the proper position. I know this is an apples to oranges comparision, but the 94 Cougar I drive daily had this exact problem. It turns out that the ignition switch in the column is broke and can move between accessory and the dead spot rather easy. It took me some time before I found this out.
Also, check to see that your ignition switch on the column is seated in the proper position. I know this is an apples to oranges comparision, but the 94 Cougar I drive daily had this exact problem. It turns out that the ignition switch in the column is broke and can move between accessory and the dead spot rather easy. It took me some time before I found this out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,348
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From: Belews Creek north carolina
St. Jude Donor '05
if you find it is the switch i have one listed on ebay just do a word search in c4 parts ( ignition switch ) hope you find the route of the problem electrical is a pain in the azz 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Don't rule out interior lights. My 85 was doing the same thing and I was at wits end because I could not find a problem. One day while I was in the garage messing with something I happened to look over at the Vette, (I do that often) and the interior lights were on. I replaced the timer switch and all was well after that.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
DITTO DITTO DITTO
My '88 'vert (automatic) has been a bear all winter, if she's not driven/started at least once (or more a week) the battary is stone dead.
Must just be one of those "Vette things"
The solution - DRIVE THE BUGGERS
My '88 'vert (automatic) has been a bear all winter, if she's not driven/started at least once (or more a week) the battary is stone dead.
Must just be one of those "Vette things"
The solution - DRIVE THE BUGGERS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Check the batt voltage before and after a charge.
Do a load test on the batt. Check the charging system.
Hook a meter to the battery looking for a draw. Disconnect the + and put the meter between the batt and the positve cable.
The battery should read about 12.5 with a big draw it will be less. Check the battery disconnected for a baseline and then with the meter between the cable and the positive post note the difference.
Do a load test on the batt. Check the charging system.
Hook a meter to the battery looking for a draw. Disconnect the + and put the meter between the batt and the positve cable.
The battery should read about 12.5 with a big draw it will be less. Check the battery disconnected for a baseline and then with the meter between the cable and the positive post note the difference.
