1999 ford taurus draining battery - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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1999 ford taurus draining battery

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aladell07
New User

Sep 9, 2012, 4:24 PM

Post #1 of 3 (4076 views)

1999 ford taurus draining battery	Sign In

Hello. I purchased a 1999 ford taurus se sport for my college student and the battery started draining. We replaced the battery with a brand new one and the same problem. We took it to an electrical car shop for diagnostic look over and the gentleman told us the radio was draining the battery. He supposedly disconnected the radio but we found out he hadn't. the battery is still being drained. We went to a salvage yard and attempted to replace it but believe we got the wrong year. it doesn't match up. My question is this. because everything seems to be hooked into the radio (air and heat) if we remove the radio or disconnect it, will the air still work? Or could something else be the problem? Thank You for your help.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 9, 2012, 5:17 PM

Post #2 of 3 (4045 views)

Re: 1999 ford taurus draining battery	Sign In

The A/C and the radio are not on the same circuit

There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.

You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

aladell07
New User

Sep 9, 2012, 5:22 PM

Post #3 of 3 (4042 views)

Re: 1999 ford taurus draining battery	Sign In

Thank you, I will try this and let you know what happens.

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