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streamfisher
New User
Sep 3, 2012, 12:45 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1891 views)
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continuous battery drain
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2005 Chevy Silverado K1500, 5.3 gas engine, 49,000 miles
After the battery was fully discharged by accident (left a light plugged into the lighter plug), the car jump-started fine and the battery charged up after driving around a bit. Then the battery would not to hold a full charge overnight. At first, I thought that the complete discharge harmed the battery. To check that I disonnected the ground lead from the battery and found it held a charge when disconnected completely.
I found what seems to be a steady drain on the battery evidenced by a small spark when touching the ground lead to the negative battery terminal. (could this be normal after disconnecting the battery? Perhaps it's booting up the electronics?)
I removed and replaced each circuit breaker and fuse in the fuse box to try to isolate the offending circuit--to no avail. What do I look for now?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2012, 1:44 PM
Post #2 of 4
(1861 views)
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Re: continuous battery drain
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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.
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streamfisher
New User
Sep 3, 2012, 3:24 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1841 views)
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Re: continuous battery drain
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Hammer Time,
Thanks. I'll round up a good ammeter and follow your advice. Do you know if there are any circuits with fuses/curcuit breakers outside of the main fuse box?
Cheers.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2012, 3:27 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1838 views)
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Re: continuous battery drain
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There is one box under the hood and another under the left side of the instrument panel. Don't overlook unplugging the alternator either.
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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.
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