Battery keeps draining
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Richlands, NC
Battery keeps draining
We just bought a brand new battery a few weeks ago, and just the other day, the battery was drained, the radio would turn on, but not enough power to turn it over. I jumped it, let the truck run for about half an hour, then shut it off. Next morning, the battery was deader than dead. Radio wasn't even turning on. No lights, no anything.
What could make it do this?
What could make it do this?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Definitely be certain the alternator is charging. If it isn't, replace the burned out "battery" indicator lamp in the dashboard... which SHOULD glow while the engine is running if the alternator is not charging the battery.
If the alt. is good, check for short circuits. This is best done by removing fuses one at a time and taking a test light across the fuse terminals in the block. If there is any draw on the circuit being tested, the test light will glow. The only fused circuit that might have some draw with the engine off would be the constant power for the radio which allows it to keep preset and clock memory.
If the alt. is good, check for short circuits. This is best done by removing fuses one at a time and taking a test light across the fuse terminals in the block. If there is any draw on the circuit being tested, the test light will glow. The only fused circuit that might have some draw with the engine off would be the constant power for the radio which allows it to keep preset and clock memory.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 33
From: Swansea SC
Wicked i had this happen to my 1985 f-150. I got lucky and found the relay under the dash for the choke had shorted (yes shorted) and power from the choke wasnt cutting off. So after finding out the price for a new relay ,i opted to make my own, traced all wiring and the relay i rewired is still in the truck working now .The relay killed 2 brand new sears die hard battieries . Hope this helps TR
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,470
Likes: 2,799
Wicked i had this happen to my 1985 f-150. I got lucky and found the relay under the dash for the choke had shorted (yes shorted) and power from the choke wasnt cutting off. So after finding out the price for a new relay ,i opted to make my own, traced all wiring and the relay i rewired is still in the truck working now .The relay killed 2 brand new sears die hard battieries . Hope this helps TR
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