Battery runs down
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Battery runs down
HI,
I have a 1988 f150 4wd and the battery will not stay charged. I have been through 3 new batteries that are so run down that I can't get them to take a charge again. It usually goes dead in 2 to 3 days. The alternator appears to be new and I don't see that there is any after market wiring that has been added on. Is there something obvious that I should look for or just give it up and take it to a garage? When I initially put the cables on the battery I hear the fuel pump kick on and that is all.
Thanks.
I have a 1988 f150 4wd and the battery will not stay charged. I have been through 3 new batteries that are so run down that I can't get them to take a charge again. It usually goes dead in 2 to 3 days. The alternator appears to be new and I don't see that there is any after market wiring that has been added on. Is there something obvious that I should look for or just give it up and take it to a garage? When I initially put the cables on the battery I hear the fuel pump kick on and that is all.
Thanks.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 37
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From: Minnesota
Battery runs down
I have a 1991 F150 4.9 with a 5spd and I to have had trouble with a DRAIN on the BATTERY running it DEAD after a few days.
I just had to replace the battery under warrenty - I believe the running it dead prematurely ruined the battery.
I have put a disconnect on my battery when not using the truck for a few days.
I connected a CURRENT meter and have read a CURRENT draw of 300 milliamps which I feel is a little high .
I wonder what the NORMAL current drain on the BATTERY when sitting maybe ????
So far I havn't tried to figure what could be drawing when the vehicle is just sitting..... Anyone had this trouble ??? John
I just had to replace the battery under warrenty - I believe the running it dead prematurely ruined the battery.
I have put a disconnect on my battery when not using the truck for a few days.
I connected a CURRENT meter and have read a CURRENT draw of 300 milliamps which I feel is a little high .
I wonder what the NORMAL current drain on the BATTERY when sitting maybe ????
So far I havn't tried to figure what could be drawing when the vehicle is just sitting..... Anyone had this trouble ??? John
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Battery runs down
Just a thought but if the key is off why is the fuel pump running???
Makes me think that the igntion switch isnt going all the way to the off position.
Hook a meter or a test light between the negative post on the battery and the battery negative wire, disconnect the negative wire first.
Now if you have voltage or the test light glows something is drawing power.
So pull fuses one at a time until the meter reads 0 or the light goes out. The one that kills the meter/light is the problem circuit.
Dont forget to make sure the cab light and or underhood light is off before you start fault finding....can you say "wid goose chase"
Also try disconnecting the alternator, it can cause a drain if it has failed internally.
Good luck.
Makes me think that the igntion switch isnt going all the way to the off position.
Hook a meter or a test light between the negative post on the battery and the battery negative wire, disconnect the negative wire first.
Now if you have voltage or the test light glows something is drawing power.
So pull fuses one at a time until the meter reads 0 or the light goes out. The one that kills the meter/light is the problem circuit.
Dont forget to make sure the cab light and or underhood light is off before you start fault finding....can you say "wid goose chase"
Also try disconnecting the alternator, it can cause a drain if it has failed internally.
Good luck.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Battery runs down
I just got thru searching old POSTings and see that the ALTERNATOR has been the culprit many times---I suppose one of the diodes shorts --which will still allow it to charge but now its not isolated as well with the lose of a diode so we get a current draw/drain thru the alternator winding---sort of like with a GENERATOR our CUTOUT CONTACT ON THE REGULATOR would stick pumping current into the generator...
I'm going to check mine in the morning... Thanks
I'm going to check mine in the morning... Thanks
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