Electrical

mrnickleye · 07-08-2006, 03:56 AM

Bad grounds don't drain batteries. Things that are grouded do. Like interior lights left on. Brake lights staying on. Radios, amps, etc on when key is off.

Since its draining over night, AND if the battery is a real good one (because a weak battery won't hold a charge over night anyway), then you have a pretty big draw.

With the car OFF, remove the Neg battery terminal and place a mechanics test light between the terminal and the battery post. A VOM will work too. If the light shines BRIGHT, then you have a big draw. A 1 volt draw is OK.

If it does not shine, or is very dull, then there is no draw, or just a very small one. It is common to have a very small draw.

If there is a big draw, you can pull one fuse at a time to see what circuit is the problem. Hopefully you find it and can then trace the circuit down and fix it. Other wise you'll end up having a shop do it.

Have the battery and charging system checked. An alternator that is weak won't keep the battery fully charged.

Sometimes working on these troubles can cause you to go bald !!

07-08-2006, 03:56 AM	#4
mrnickleye 1000whp postwhore Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, Calif. Posts: 1,705	Try this Bad grounds don't drain batteries. Things that are grouded do. Like interior lights left on. Brake lights staying on. Radios, amps, etc on when key is off. Since its draining over night, AND if the battery is a real good one (because a weak battery won't hold a charge over night anyway), then you have a pretty big draw. With the car OFF, remove the Neg battery terminal and place a mechanics test light between the terminal and the battery post. A VOM will work too. If the light shines BRIGHT, then you have a big draw. A 1 volt draw is OK. If it does not shine, or is very dull, then there is no draw, or just a very small one. It is common to have a very small draw. If there is a big draw, you can pull one fuse at a time to see what circuit is the problem. Hopefully you find it and can then trace the circuit down and fix it. Other wise you'll end up having a shop do it. Have the battery and charging system checked. An alternator that is weak won't keep the battery fully charged. Sometimes working on these troubles can cause you to go bald !! __________________ Had a Red 1989 N/A. Automatic. Sports Pkg. w/wing. TEMS, and some nice MODS. Sold to a friend 10/08/08.