my 98 dodge 1500 has a big problem. tha battery drains unless i pull the 50 amp main acc fuse. it takes about 36 hours to completly drain the batt. i've put in a new starter and battery. no clue as to what this could be any ideas?
thx

 

Sounds like theres a short somewhere causing the battery to drain. I'd try to narrow it down a bit more, process of ellimination is your only chance probably.

 

You could double check accessory circuit using the amp gauge on a volt meter. Remove the fuse and connect the leads across the connectors in the fuse socket. If it takes ~36 hrs to drain and you have a ~100 amp-hour battery, then you should read something like 3 amps flowing into the acc circuit -- if the problem is there.

Narrowing down the draw to the accessory circuit means it has to be something that only operates when the key is in the acc position - radio, windows, power seat, heated seat, blower motor, etc. If you can get to the wiring harness connections for those things, do the meter check on those (with fuse in acc fuse socket). Even before that, try jiggling switches and buttons while the meter is connected across the acc fuse socket to see if that stops the flow.

Allen

 

If you're parking during the day, and never see the truck at night, look and see if the brake light switch is broken/misadjusted. It will leave the brake lights on indefeinitely. Any chance the light that comes on when you open the hood is stuck on? You'd think whatever was draining, would be audible or visible. Also make sure the ALT exciter circuit isin't stuck closed. Not sure if it's relayed on your year.

Good luck.

 

pull of the grounds and put an amp meter in series. You can measure the amp draw. then start isolating circuits until the amps drop to nearly zero. I believe the comp takes about 300 miliamps so it will never get to zero. also check for a stuck relay or something like that.

 

Check the alternator to see if it's grounding out. I had the same problem, I replaced the alternator and my battery started to drain within a day or two. I found out the new alternator was bad. Charge your battery and within an hour or two touch your alternator. If it is warm or hot, there is your problem.

 

thanks guys all good methods to tackle this prob.

 

Don't forget to let us know what you find. The guys always want to know. Just in case a fellow DFer runs into something new.

Good luck.

 

My battery was killed (eventually) because the glovebox light never turned off.

 

That's right!!!!


I ALWAYS forget to pass that on to fellow DFers and I am sure that I have read it at least 5 times on this forum.


Good luck.