Battery dying within hours
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 2
From: NH
Battery dying within hours
Not a Ford but thought this was best place.
If the car sits for like 3+ hours the battery drains to the point where the car won't start.
Have brand new battery and even drained a 2nd brand new battery to the point where it won't hold a charge anymore.
I used a volt meter in between the battery plus and the car's + wire that goes to the battery to see voltage drain while pulling fuses. Pulled all fuses and didn't see a significant change. Someone told me I was using the meter wrong or the entire wrong tool to see voltage drops.
I also know there is a recall on some of the relays in the car. I need to test them. 8 relays total.
My main questions.
Can someone give me a quick how to on using the multimeter to check for voltage drop? So I can properly do the pull fuses test.
Can and how can I check the relays? Do I need to power them up or can I check them on a bench?
Thanks
If the car sits for like 3+ hours the battery drains to the point where the car won't start.
Have brand new battery and even drained a 2nd brand new battery to the point where it won't hold a charge anymore.
I used a volt meter in between the battery plus and the car's + wire that goes to the battery to see voltage drain while pulling fuses. Pulled all fuses and didn't see a significant change. Someone told me I was using the meter wrong or the entire wrong tool to see voltage drops.
I also know there is a recall on some of the relays in the car. I need to test them. 8 relays total.
My main questions.
Can someone give me a quick how to on using the multimeter to check for voltage drop? So I can properly do the pull fuses test.
Can and how can I check the relays? Do I need to power them up or can I check them on a bench?
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
It is easiest to use a test light. Disconnect the negative terminal, plase the test light in line with the cable and the starter post. If it lights the bulb with all doors closed, hood light out, glove compartment closed, etc., then there is a voltage drain, and a pretty good one if it drains the battery that quick. Most common cause of this is the alternator. If the lamp is lit, remove the large wire from the back of the alternator and see if the light goes out.
It will work the same way with relays, fuses. When you pull them, if they are the source of the drain, the light will go out. You can connect the voltmeter the same way, but you can see the light from any angle without moving it around.
jd
It will work the same way with relays, fuses. When you pull them, if they are the source of the drain, the light will go out. You can connect the voltmeter the same way, but you can see the light from any angle without moving it around.
jd
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Even better than a test light is turning your DMM to ammeter. You were doing the test right, but with the wrong setting. You need make the ammeter a part of the power circuit so all current flowing runs through the meter. This will tell you how much power the vehicle is consuming, 20-50mA is what your looking, but my truck dies in three day because I have a 200mA draw somewhere.
Checking voltage would take a really long time, amps will tell you a lot quicker.
Checking voltage would take a really long time, amps will tell you a lot quicker.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 2
From: NH
I used the test light method and it worked great. Pulled fuses until the test light went out.
Figured out what the fuse went to and started pulling lights and plugs. But it still has a draw.
Figured out what the fuse went to and started pulling lights and plugs. But it still has a draw.
