battery draw

[WarMonger]

So I let my truck sit for 4 or 5 days and the battery is completely dead. Wiring and truck is stock. Does anyone have any ideas?

[demian5]

Disconnect the positive battery terminal then connect a 12v bulb or test light between the battery and the disconnected terminal.

If the light is on, you have a significant draw (close the doors because the dome light on will light it up). If its on with the doors closed, start pulling fuses until it goes off, then you have identified the circuit.

I could go into milli-amps, etc... but for older vehicles, this will suffice.

If the light doesn't come on, check the battery water level and have it tested.

[WarMonger]

Originally Posted by demian5

Disconnect the positive battery terminal then connect a 12v bulb or test light between the battery and the disconnected terminal.

If the light is on, you have a significant draw (close the doors because the dome light on will light it up). If its on with the doors closed, start pulling fuses until it goes off, then you have identified the circuit.

I could go into milli-amps, etc... but for older vehicles, this will suffice.

If the light doesn't come on, check the battery water level and have it tested.

Thanks for the advice. I have a fluke meter I can put on it. I will disconnect the negative and start pulling fuses and maybe alt and or regulator till I see the draw drop off. Then go from there.

[paul blair]

Assuming Your BATTERY is GOOD! Has anyone connected jumper cables wrong, backwards? I have found battery drain problems caused by ALTERNATOR with open DIOD! Will still charge but drain battery when engine is shut down. test light still lit disconnect alternator see if light goes out. GOOD LUCK--HAPPY TRAILS

[WarMonger]

Originally Posted by paul blair

Assuming Your BATTERY is GOOD! Has anyone connected jumper cables wrong, backwards? I have found battery drain problems caused by ALTERNATOR with open DIOD! Will still charge but drain battery when engine is shut down. test light still lit disconnect alternator see if light goes out. GOOD LUCK--HAPPY TRAILS

I have only had the truck for a month now. replaced battery because I though old one was bad. then this one went dead in 4 days, thought it was a bad battery, so I went back and got it warrantied (sorry Walmart) so I can now say it is my truck. 3 batteries in 3 weeks. Not good numbers there.

[Coley]

Ok....I had a (very) similar issue on my truck a couple of years ago.
I did up a thread about it...including isolating, troubleshooting and solving it. I've had absolutely NO battery drain issues since....here it is:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633021
All Good
Coley

[WarMonger]

Originally Posted by Coley

Ok....I had a (very) similar issue on my truck a couple of years ago.
I did up a thread about it...including isolating, troubleshooting and solving it. I've had absolutely NO battery drain issues since....here it is:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633021
All Good
Coley

I was reading this today after I posted my thread. Great info. I read your solution and that's how I figured out how to find my draw. I will charge my battery when I get home and let you guys know how it turns out.

Thanks

[WarMonger]

** Update** charged up my battery to full strength. put a test light between neg terminal and neg battery cable. It light up like a christmas tree.
Unplugged alt and reg = light still on.
pulled all my fuses = light still on.
checked all door pins and things that stay hot = light still on.
stopped being a dumb a$$ and took a step back. what else always has power???? Horn, but i don't have a horn. steering wheel is janky (see pic ) But what if it is the horn?? would'nt it sound all the time??? Unless it is unplugged.
BINGO.... PO unplugged the horn cause the steering wheel is broke.
Fixed horn = light went out.

Thanks guys.. you have good knowledge Especially Coley