I have a 1996 Ranger 4wd automatic, with an apparent parasitic battery drain problem. I replaced 2 batteries before I decided to look further. When battery is new, and fully charged, it took about a week (not using the truck) for the battery to drain down. The alternator seems to charge the battery fine, and a test at my mechanic seems to verify.

When I hook up an ammeter in series with the battery and neg. cable, I had a .250 amp draw. When I pulled the fuse for the speedometer/GEM, the draw went down to .08 amps. I waited 40+ minuets for the GEM to go to Sleep, and it did not. Figuring I had licked the problem, I replaced the GEM with a used one from a salvage yard. Now the GEM goes to sleep, leaving me with .11 amp draw, which still seems too much (When I test my 2005 escape - "sleeping current" is .02 amps).

Here's the funny part. When I pull the big fuse under the hood marked "feul system / Anti Theft" the current goes down to .02 amps - right where it should be. The anti theft seems to be working fine, but .8 amps is obviously too much.

My questions are:



1. Where is the anti-theft module so that I may unplug to test?
2. What exactly is the "Fuel system"? - is that the fuel pump?
3. Any other ideas?

 

well, try this: separate positive terminal, and connect it with ign. off throught ampermeter and pull fuses one by one till you find what draines battery.

Disconnect alternator thick wires too. Bad diode may drain battery too.

 

the other way is to pull fuses one by one and measure draine between fuse terminals....)))

 

I just went through the EXACT same thing on my 97, are your dome lights staying on some times? The switch in the doors was dirty and not making full contact and was confusing the gem system. I used a good amoung of WD-40 in on the door latch on the door and it has been solid for the last 2 weeks now. try it out as if it works it the easiest fix.

I thought it was ironic that the piece made to save my battery, was killing it.....