C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Any tips for finding battery drain-down

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-31-2004, 08:31 PM
  #1  
ettev
Melting Slicks
Support Corvetteforum!
Thread Starter
 
ettev's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2000
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,496
Received 444 Likes on 182 Posts

Default Any tips for finding battery drain-down

I remember some time ago reading a few tips on how to isolate the wiring circuit that might be draining a battery (apart from looking for the obvious lamp not shutting off, etc). Anybody remember what the procedures are for this?
Old 03-31-2004, 08:52 PM
  #2  
Russ Bellinis
Racer
 
Russ Bellinis's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2002
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (ettev)

First charge your battery and load test it to make sure it isn't just failing to hold a charge. With everything turned off, remove the negative cable and touch it to the negative post to check for a small spark. If you get a small arc, I would try pulling the fuses one at a time and check for an arc at the negative cable each time. Also, disconnect your alternator, and do the "arc test." Alternators have isolation diodes in them to keep them from discharging the battery when the engine isn't running. If the isolation diode shorts, the alternator will charge normally; but when you leave the engine off, over a period of time the battery will discharge through the alternator.
Old 03-31-2004, 08:54 PM
  #3  
Duke94
Le Mans Master
 
Duke94's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor Michigan
Posts: 6,576
Received 257 Likes on 209 Posts

Default Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (ettev)

If you have a AMP meter, install it between the + battery post and + battery lead (removed from battery of course). If there's a battery drain, it will show current flow. Then start pulling fuses one at a time until current flow stops. Whatever is on that circut is causing your drain. A wiring diagram will help at this point.
Old 03-31-2004, 09:11 PM
  #4  
PRNDL
Team Owner
 
PRNDL's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 1999
Location: Huntersville NC
Posts: 26,545
Received 46 Likes on 42 Posts

Default Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (Duke94)

If you have a AMP meter, install it between the + battery post and + battery lead (removed from battery of course).
A little test light works well here also. When you are doing all this testing, make sure your doors are closed or tape the switches on the door to keep your interior lights OFF. :) MJ
Old 04-01-2004, 09:00 AM
  #5  
ettev
Melting Slicks
Support Corvetteforum!
Thread Starter
 
ettev's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2000
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,496
Received 444 Likes on 182 Posts

Default Re: Any tips for finding battery drain-down (Russ Bellinis)

Alternators have isolation diodes in them to keep them from discharging the battery when the engine isn't running.
Is there anything on the starter/starter solenoid that could also cause this?

Get notified of new replies

To Any tips for finding battery drain-down




Quick Reply: Any tips for finding battery drain-down



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:38 PM.