Battery Problems

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Jan 10, 2004 | 09:09 PM

55FordLover

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From: Deridder, LA

Battery Problems

OK Forders,

My truck seem to have a power drain somewhere.....I have already recharged the battery and had the alternator checked...all good...all fuses are good....so now...what else can be doing it??? Had a shop redo my wiring and I wonder if they got something on constant....now i checked the wiring but i dont have my wiring book....so can anybody tell me how the wiring should be from the starter solenoid - to the voltage regulator - to the alternator...all other ends like dome light, radio, electric fuel pump and accessories are all electric taped off....so i have isolated maybe the wiring....HELP!!!!!!!! A diagram would be greatly appreciated....this will be a first for me so please take easy gents....

James
54 Ford F100 302/AOD
01 Ford Supercrew 5.4L/AOD
03 Mazda Tribute 4cyl/5spd

Jan 10, 2004 | 10:18 PM

jeffh

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From: St. Louis USA

Here's a wiring diagram I found for 1953-1956 Fords, hope it helps!

Jan 11, 2004 | 05:00 AM

Jim VA.

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From: Western Shore of Virginia

James; Test the batteries specific gravity and also test with a load tester,if the battery is OK,install a (milleamp)meter in series at the plus terminal to test for any current draw. If a draw is detected start disconecting wires one at a time to find the soarse of the draw.(do not turn on anything as the meter will blow) Jim VA.

Jan 11, 2004 | 10:03 AM

55FordLover

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From: Deridder, LA

Called Midfifty and they are sending me a wiring diagram for the ezwire harness...i think the shop that hooked it up for has something connected wrong...so as of now...i have just kept the alternator uninstalled in the truck...it sucks but hopefully this will also help me out....yeah i am going to get a multimeter to see where the drain could be once i have the book....long process again but it only helps i guess if you really DO IT YOURSELF!!!!

James

Jan 12, 2004 | 01:26 PM

SteV8e

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From: Minneapolis

Be cautious with your multimeter. I once had a current drain that toasted my multimeter on the 10 Amp range. So before I hooked up a milliameter, I would recommed disconnecting your battery ground cable and see if you can draw a spark from the cable to the battery post. My issue was a joystick on a power seat that was not springing back to the center (off) position.

Jan 12, 2004 | 04:15 PM

Jag Red 54

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From: Valley Center, CA

Hey James, there is an easier way to check for the power drain. If you disconnect the ground wire on your battery, just as you take it off, watch for a spark. Try touching the ground back to the battery post. No spark should be present. (Note: you may need to momentarily take the bulb out of your dome light if you have your battery in the floor, thus the door is open) My truck had this problem until I found out that the panel lights in the gauges were staying on even when the light switch was off! Just wired wrong by the previous owner. BUT CAPN, WE GOT NO POWER! (In my best Scotty voice) Good luck, John

Last edited by Jag Red 54; Jan 12, 2004 at 04:20 PM.

Jan 15, 2004 | 02:59 AM

55FordLover

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From: Deridder, LA

Yeah that sounded to weird but that was not it...Midfifty told me to disconnect the voltmeter and go from gauge to gauge....sounds like a saturday project for me with some Natural Ice Beer....yeah baby yeah.....

James