in about 12 hours my batt goes from 12-13 volts to 1-3 volts, the key is in the off position. this is for a 84 f-250. yet when i plug in my 1.5 amp battery maintainer the battery will recharge to max. what is taking the power?

 

Either c=viit my gallery page or my web page for diagnosing electrical shorts.

Have you charged the battery and have it tested.

Even new batteries develop shorts within themselves.



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[font color=red]Calgary,Alberta,Canada[/font]
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I beleive that you have an external voltage regulator mounted on the passenger side wall. They are about 20 to 30 US dollars. I think there is will you will find your problems.

The test is simple... Unplug your negative battery cable. Take a test light. Clip one end of the test light to the negative end of the disconnected battery cable and connect the other end to the negative battery post (on the battery) If the light remains lit, then you have a short. If not, then it is your battery.

If it remains short, disconnect the small wire harness which is connected to your external volt regulator (or the wire harness connected to your alternator if it is an internal voltage regulator).

Repeat the above test using the test light. If the battery goes out, Change out your external voltage regulator or your alternator (if it is an internal voltage regulator). If the light remains on then...

Unplug each fuse located underneith your driverside dash until the light goes out.

Now if you do have an external voltage regulator and it is bad.. It is highley recommended that you replace your alternator as well. It is not mandatory but recommended..

Good luck and let us know how it goes..

Kevin

 

thanks for the info, its either or both the dome light and a bare wire for side lights and gauge light.