head scratcher need help!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**smokinn** · 01-02-2005, 11:33 PM

I've got a real head scratcher going on here. I have a 71 Chevy truck with a key-off short to ground somewhere. I changed the battery and alternator, and it charges fine when running. I came out today, and she wouldn't crank. The battery was down to 4V. I hooked up my little charger a couple hours ago, and just checked it again - now it's down to 3.5V.

Jason

Hutch · 01-02-2005, 11:42 PM

smokinn
Not sure what the short might be but you could always use one of those battery disconnect devices until you can figure it out.
You can also hook up a voltmeter and diconnect items one by one until the drain goes away.
Do all you accessories work correctly like the fan horn lights wipers etc?

Longhorn Man · 01-02-2005, 11:54 PM

look in the FAQ, there is a good write up on how to locate your drain. (not a short to ground...that would make lots of sparks)
Asuming there has not been anything added lately (like a stereo system) I would syspect a bad alt or horn relay.
The relay is a good quick check...reach under the dash and grab the little silver box right by the fuse panel...if it is hot, unplug it and charge up your battery. This is also asuming that your horn doesn't work.

01-02-2005, 11:33 PM	#1
smokinn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: omaha,Ne Posts: 619	head scratcher need help!!! I've got a real head scratcher going on here. I have a 71 Chevy truck with a key-off short to ground somewhere. I changed the battery and alternator, and it charges fine when running. I came out today, and she wouldn't crank. The battery was down to 4V. I hooked up my little charger a couple hours ago, and just checked it again - now it's down to 3.5V. Jason

01-02-2005, 11:42 PM	#2
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	smokinn Not sure what the short might be but you could always use one of those battery disconnect devices until you can figure it out. You can also hook up a voltmeter and diconnect items one by one until the drain goes away. Do all you accessories work correctly like the fan horn lights wipers etc? __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

01-02-2005, 11:54 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	look in the FAQ, there is a good write up on how to locate your drain. (not a short to ground...that would make lots of sparks) Asuming there has not been anything added lately (like a stereo system) I would syspect a bad alt or horn relay. The relay is a good quick check...reach under the dash and grab the little silver box right by the fuse panel...if it is hot, unplug it and charge up your battery. This is also asuming that your horn doesn't work.



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