battery drain
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New User
Joined: Jun 2010
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battery drain
Hi,
I've got a serious battery drain. something stays on after I turn my key off. I hooked up an ammeter between the post of my battery and the cable. I'm loosing 60 amps. It will drain the battery in about half an hour. I put in new batterys, new alternator, and starter. Never fixed my problem. I thought maybe a worn positive wire grounding out against the frame.
not sure that it's a fuse problem or relay kinda doubt it. if it was linked up to a fuse at 60 amp drain the fuse would blow.
could it be glow plugs not turning off?
this all happened in the winter when i tried to start it up. the dome light relay started clicking continuously after that. i replaced it. it still does click sometimes. on and off, on and off.
thanks
amos
_____
Ford 1999 F-350 Super Duty
I've got a serious battery drain. something stays on after I turn my key off. I hooked up an ammeter between the post of my battery and the cable. I'm loosing 60 amps. It will drain the battery in about half an hour. I put in new batterys, new alternator, and starter. Never fixed my problem. I thought maybe a worn positive wire grounding out against the frame.
not sure that it's a fuse problem or relay kinda doubt it. if it was linked up to a fuse at 60 amp drain the fuse would blow.
could it be glow plugs not turning off?
this all happened in the winter when i tried to start it up. the dome light relay started clicking continuously after that. i replaced it. it still does click sometimes. on and off, on and off.
thanks
amos
_____
Ford 1999 F-350 Super Duty
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
60 amps? That is a huge drain. I am surprised you don't have fuses popping and smoke.
Try this. Disconnect the large wire going to your alternator, then measure your drain again. It might be an internal short in your alternator.
Otherwise, start pulling fuses and relays, one at a time, while you have the ammeter hooked up. When the drain stops, see what that fuse or relay controls. it will at least give you a place to start.
Try this. Disconnect the large wire going to your alternator, then measure your drain again. It might be an internal short in your alternator.
Otherwise, start pulling fuses and relays, one at a time, while you have the ammeter hooked up. When the drain stops, see what that fuse or relay controls. it will at least give you a place to start.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
60 amps? That is a huge drain. I am surprised you don't have fuses popping and smoke.
Try this. Disconnect the large wire going to your alternator, then measure your drain again. It might be an internal short in your alternator.
Otherwise, start pulling fuses and relays, one at a time, while you have the ammeter hooked up. When the drain stops, see what that fuse or relay controls. it will at least give you a place to start.
Try this. Disconnect the large wire going to your alternator, then measure your drain again. It might be an internal short in your alternator.
Otherwise, start pulling fuses and relays, one at a time, while you have the ammeter hooked up. When the drain stops, see what that fuse or relay controls. it will at least give you a place to start.
Start with the Power Distribution fuses under the hood.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
I wonder if your switched power isn't turning off. Does the current draw change when you put the key in the ON position?
I don't know how switched power works on these trucks. I would guess there is a main power relay somewhere? Maybe the contacts are welded closed.
I don't know how switched power works on these trucks. I would guess there is a main power relay somewhere? Maybe the contacts are welded closed.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
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From: Stephensville WI
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
I assume you have ABS brakes, if so, pull the maxi fuse for them and see if that kills the draw. 60 Amps draw is hugh, something should be getting very hot. Not to many things on a truck can handle 60 amps, so your search should be small. It takes a fairly large diameter wire to handle 60 amps for more than a few seconds.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Chattahoochee Hills, Ga.
60 amps is really high and should be getting really hot. Are you sure your meter is working right? I'd be parking outside till I found that one !!! Good luck with it and keep us posted.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 745
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
What meter are you using? 60A would vaporize the leads on my meters... The only way i know how to measure that kind of draw is with a clamp-on meter... You would also get a serious arc when you hook your neg battery lead back up.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Duluth,MN
Are you sure that all the cables are hooked up correctly? What was the last thing you did to it before you had your battery go bad the first time? Sounds like the cables are crossed?!?!? 60amps is a lot!!!!!!!!!!