95Vette
8/18/2006 9:00:23 AM
Hello all, I have a problem that I could a "jump start" on (pun intended).
I have 1995 Vette (31,500 miles) that recently ate a battery. I replaced the battery and the car's DIC is registering 14.5 volts (that's good, I think). To test for a battery draw I disconnected the negative battery terminal and hooked up a volt meter and was pulling 12.7-12.8 volts (that's bad). I know this a very broad question, but where should I begin to look for the battery draw? Do I start at the alternator? Is there any other component, switch, relay, etc. that is known to go haywire that I could check first? Or is this a "tear the whole car apart and test everything" problem?
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
raisinbran
8/18/2006 9:48:12 PM
you could start pulling fuses until you no longer have a draw.
mech259
8/18/2006 10:19:47 PM
Hook a test light between battery cable and battery. If the light is lit, then it's easier to run down a draw. A voltmeter will fool you, because a 1/4 amp draw at 12.5 volts is not very much, but a bright or dim test light tells me more. As Raisin said pull fuses 1 at a time then replace them 1 at a time as u pull them. Watch your test light. Be sure and disable your interior lights if you keep your door open. Also, disconnect alternator leads beacause a shorted rectifier will draw a battery down. good Luck
95Vette
8/19/2006 3:20:21 PM
Thanks guys, I'll be sure to give these suggestions a try.
Superdzzz
8/19/2006 6:06:45 PM
mech is right. It will be a tedious process but with a buddy and a few cold ones you should be able to find it and have fun