Charging problems

[Mike Kopstain]

Hiya guys. I'm having a probelm with the car. The battery goes dead after a day. The problem is especially amplified now that it's cold. Initially I thought it was the voltage regulator, but after testing, I don't think that is my problem. With the car off, key in the off position, everything off, the car has a .75 amp draw on it, which I assume is from the radio and PCM. With the engine on, the alternator is putting out 14.6 volts. (That is off memory, I know it was mid 14's) So am I just dealing with a bad battery here? Thanks for any help!

 

[SHOZ123]

.75A is too much draw. Start pulling fuses (EEC power last) until it drops to the normal .05A that the EEC, radio and clock need when the engine is off.

My '93 will draw the battery down if I don't turn the key off just right due to a worn ignition switch.

<small>[ November 30, 2002, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: SHOZ123 ]</small>

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Wait Paul! My ignition is broken too! When I pull the key out it still dings, but the cylinder will turn another 8th of a turn and it will shut off. Could that be it? Also, I've completely drained this battery about 10 times now. Is it safe to assume that it is now useless?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Well, we shouldn't have to tell you this wink , but at the very least take the battery to AutoZone for their free testing service and see if the battery is still OK. You might have had this problem for a while, but it only began to give you trouble once it started getting bone-chilling freakin' cold.

The draw could definitely be the cylinder/switch problem you discovered.

My old man drives a '90 SLO all of about 5000 miles a year. Batteries are cheap enough at K-Mart that I just get him a new one there every couple of years and he never has a problem.

 

[SHOZ123]

I would bet my wore out switch on it. Good time to try out one of those Odyssey batteries. wink

<small>[ November 30, 2002, 11:32 PM: Message edited by: SHOZ123 ]</small>

 

[Mike Kopstain]

SHOZ123:
I would bet my wore out switch on it. Good time to try out one of those Odyssey batteries. wink

and a couple 2v cells and some other misc wiring coming out of a box.

 

[shodazzl]

My battery went dead after my keyless entry box was shorting, the battery went dead few times till I found out the problem.