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Cause for battery drain???

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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 03:23 PM
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Cause for battery drain???

Hey guys/gals

I have been strugling with this for a few months and need some input I think.

If I leave my truck set for a week or more I have run down battery. I thought it was possibly weak batteries so I replaced both of them yesterday and for grinns I put an amp clamp on the cable and I have a 1.0 to 1.2 amp draw with the truck just sitting in the garage.

To me that seems like WAY too much but Im not sure what to expect.

Also if that is too much do any of you have an idea where to start looking? I have an after market radio but I have checked that all out and everything seems to be ok there.
 
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 03:44 PM
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That current draw is too much. You need to start pulling fuses and when the current drops to zero, see what components are on that fuse.

When I had a similar issue on a Cadillac, I pulled 6 fuses at a time - sort of helped speed up the troubleshooting process. My issue turned out to be the interior lights. Had to pull the fixtures and disconect the wires to finally pinpoint it.
 
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 04:03 PM
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I figured that it was too high.

Thank you for confirming... Looks like I have some work to do now
 
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 04:10 PM
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What kind of batteries?

Do you leave an Ipod plugged in?

I thought I had a parasitic drain, it was sort of a combination of that and red top Optimas were not handling the desert heat well for me. Others may have better experience with the Optimas, but mine developed some resistance and would not charge up much past 12.49.
 
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 04:16 PM
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I just put in A/C Delco's yesterday. I can't remember what the others were. I know they were not red tops though.

I do not have anything plugged in
 
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 04:17 PM
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You have to wait 45 minutes for all the Ford OEM stuff to settle down . This includes opening the door. After 45 minutes , Ford specs .050 amps max. I found mine to be .02 amps.

My Edge Insight draws .05 amps with the key off.

The doors must be closed. Which make it hard to pull fuses. You will have to jam the door button closed.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 04:49 PM
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Funny you mention that.... I went out last night to check things out a little further and could only come up with .03 amp draw.

I am guessing I did not wait long enough the first time. I am going to keeo a close eye on it for a few weeks and see how it goes.

Thank you for the help!
 
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