I have a 2008 Dodge GC SXT(3.8L) that recently had warranty head gasket work done. The car sat at the dealer for 4 days before i got it back. Approx. a week later we traveled a hr away and parked the car for 2 days. The vehicle barely started and when I got home tested the alt. and battery. Both tested fine...except the battery continues to drain...Could it be a bad or loose ground. Does anyone know what the proper voltage draw is on the distribution side to keep the clocks, etc. operating properly? Where else should i look? Sorry so long winded

 

How old is the battery. Don't forget to include year model and engine in all threads. BTW, current draw spec is like 30 ma. Have you ever done one before?

 

Sorry I edited the thread. Battery is 3 yrs old. bench tested fine. I used an oscilloscope. Voltage draw was 2.5 - 2.7 volts. I thought it was high though. Should i begin to pull fuses until I see it drop close to 30Ma, check grounds & wire harnesses? Any help on what order I should do things would help! Thank you

 

Battery drain is measured in amps, you will have to use an amp meter to check. Voltage doesn't tell enough.

How did you bench test the battery?

 

The battery checked out fine as did the charging system. I am doing the easiest thing first. I will pull the battery and charge it overnight. It is possible that I left the dealership with a depleted battery. I was always under the assumption that the alt. actually charged the battery when driving and was told that it only prevents the battery from being worn down while using lights, radio, a/c, etc. I will start there and see what happens over the next few days. If it continues to drain I will need help to diagnose the problem. I am just finding it funny that right after I leave the van at the shop for a week for head gasket work I have this issue pops up a week later. It may be coincidence as I am no expert. I essentially taught myself to do brakes, tie rods, o2 sensors, and all the reg. maintenence stuff so I am always looking for more knowledge and I thank you guys for all the help.

 

Vman, i'll tell ya many times i've had cars down for a few days and the battery has bonked out. It's not uncommon. Ask them to help you out on the battery some. That's not unreasonable. Hell I would do it just for customer satisfaction sake. In the meantime, seeing that you seem inclined, get yourself a shop manual and a decent multimeter. It will save you a lot of money.

 

TNtech thanks for the info. I do have a 15 yr old digital Fluke D802 multimeter. I charged the battery overnight & put it back in this morning. Tested out at 12.4 volts and we will see where it goes from there. I have priced the Dodge shop manuals and they ain't cheap! I just may have to bite the bullet. I bought a cd for my 2001 Maxima for $15 & it has come in handy with all the 02 sensor issues I with that vehicle.

PS-Who has the best running back in football?

 

My boy AP!!! Can't wailt to see the bidding next year when he's a free agent.

 

Trust me it will never get that far! The Vikes will lock him up before the season is over! The Viking front office is not the greatest but they know he is the top rb in the league. I thank my lucky stars we are rid of Brad Childress & T. Jackson...possibly the worst QB in the league. Trust me Seattle will be crying they let Matt Hasselback go. A horrible decision.

ps-Battery holding so far.. I will keep you posted if the battery goes south! Thank you.

 

I hope Sid Rice enjoys the money, cause it's going to suck a$$ in Seattle with his old pal T-Jack.

the Purple usually don't resign anyone during the season so it will supprise me if they do, but if he goes into the offseason without one, he's gone.