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Next: "Dukes" drives up '69 Charger value
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External
Since: Jul 30, 2005
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 1:37 pm
Post subject: Battery Charge Drains Away
Archived from groups: alt>autos>ford (more info?)
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When I park my car for only 5-6 hours, it will start right up again... but
if I park for 11-12 hours or more, I find the battery has drained and
doesn't have enough charge left to start the car.
It's clear to me that the battery is "losing" its charge while being
parked for longer periods -- however, I can't locate the cause. (I have
checked dome lights, all interior lights, radio, air conditioner switches,
fan switches, door switches, in fact ALL switches in the car, and NOTHING
has been left on.)
To verify that "something" is causing the battery's charge to drain away,
I disconnected one cable (the positive one) from its post and late at
night I touched it to the post. Sure enough, a small spark appeared,
indicating that "something" was draining energy from the battery.
Can anyone offer a suggestion? (Could it maybe be a problem in some
component, like a Starter Solenoid or a Voltage Regulator, or something
similar?)
I know that if I have tests run on this, I could end up having to pay
plenty and STILL they might not find the answer, so I am hoping to find a
solution here -- and I thank you all in advance for your suggestions. |
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External
Since: Oct 31, 2004
Posts: 51
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 1:37 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Polk" <polk.m.popopo RemoveThis @nospam.dfgh.net> wrote in message
news:0019aacf15c7189c0037cd227b586e08@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...
>
>
> When I park my car for only 5-6 hours, it will start right up again... but
> if I park for 11-12 hours or more, I find the battery has drained and
> doesn't have enough charge left to start the car.
This is sometimes caused by a diode in the alternator going bad.
Most fix it by purchasing a new or rebuilt regulator, as they
usually have lots of miles on them anyway when this diode
goes.
You should also post the make, model, and mileage when
you ask as this often helps folks offer advice. |
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External
Since: Jul 30, 2005
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 2:28 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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You're right, I forgot all about that. It's a Ford Crown Victoria, about
95,000 miles, and the Alternator has already been replaced once about a
year ago, so it's fairly new. But if no better answers are forthcoming,
I'll definitely check it out. Thanks. >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: May 14, 2005
Posts: 23
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 6:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Not sure if the Crown Victoria's have the same EEC and Fuel pump relay
problems that the older Rangers, Broncos and full size trucks had, but this
could be a possibility. For $20 Cdn a relay, it wouldn't hurt to try.
Sharky >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jan 26, 2005
Posts: 5
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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polk.m.popopo RemoveThis @nospam.dfgh.net (Polk) wrote in
<0019aacf15c7189c0037cd227b586e08 RemoveThis @localhost.talkaboutautos.com>:
>
>
>When I park my car for only 5-6 hours, it will start right up again... but
>if I park for 11-12 hours or more, I find the battery has drained and
>doesn't have enough charge left to start the car.
>
I had the same problem years ago with my '65 Mustang. Then one night, as I
was walking past the rear of the car I noticed a faint glow from the
taillights. I replaced the brake light switch and the problem was solved!
--
Jim >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Dec 07, 2004
Posts: 48
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 4:02 am
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Polk wrote:
> When I park my car for only 5-6 hours, it will start right up again... but
> if I park for 11-12 hours or more, I find the battery has drained and
> doesn't have enough charge left to start the car.
>
> It's clear to me that the battery is "losing" its charge while being
> parked for longer periods -- however, I can't locate the cause. (I have
> checked dome lights, all interior lights, radio, air conditioner switches,
> fan switches, door switches, in fact ALL switches in the car, and NOTHING
> has been left on.)
>
> To verify that "something" is causing the battery's charge to drain away,
> I disconnected one cable (the positive one) from its post and late at
> night I touched it to the post. Sure enough, a small spark appeared,
> indicating that "something" was draining energy from the battery.
>
> Can anyone offer a suggestion? (Could it maybe be a problem in some
> component, like a Starter Solenoid or a Voltage Regulator, or something
> similar?)
>
> I know that if I have tests run on this, I could end up having to pay
> plenty and STILL they might not find the answer, so I am hoping to find a
> solution here -- and I thank you all in advance for your suggestions.
Why screw around replacing parts that everybody suggests simply because
they had a certain part go bad on them once? Do some diagnosis first.
Put a meter between the battery and the car and you will see the
current drain. Then pull individual fuses until the drain quits. That's
the circuit that has the parasitic drain. Posts on how to do this are
abundant. >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jul 03, 2004
Posts: 192
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Polk" <polk.m.popopo DeleteThis @nospam.dfgh.net> wrote in message
news:0019aacf15c7189c0037cd227b586e08@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...
>
>
> When I park my car for only 5-6 hours, it will start right up again... but
> if I park for 11-12 hours or more, I find the battery has drained and
> doesn't have enough charge left to start the car.
>
> It's clear to me that the battery is "losing" its charge while being
> parked for longer periods -- however, I can't locate the cause. (I have
> checked dome lights, all interior lights, radio, air conditioner switches,
> fan switches, door switches, in fact ALL switches in the car, and NOTHING
> has been left on.)
>
> To verify that "something" is causing the battery's charge to drain away,
> I disconnected one cable (the positive one) from its post and late at
> night I touched it to the post. Sure enough, a small spark appeared,
> indicating that "something" was draining energy from the battery.
>
> Can anyone offer a suggestion? (Could it maybe be a problem in some
> component, like a Starter Solenoid or a Voltage Regulator, or something
> similar?)
>
> I know that if I have tests run on this, I could end up having to pay
> plenty and STILL they might not find the answer, so I am hoping to find a
> solution here -- and I thank you all in advance for your suggestions.
The spark is normal. The car has computers and clocks and stuff that run all
the time.
However, you do have another current leak someplace, perhaps a light that is
left on, a bad voltage regulator or another problem.
Jeff >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jul 25, 2005
Posts: 1
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:01 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Jeff" <kidsdoc2000.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:u2cHe.11893$oZ.8849@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>
> "Polk" <polk.m.popopo.RemoveThis@nospam.dfgh.net> wrote in message
> news:0019aacf15c7189c0037cd227b586e08@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...
> >
> >
> > When I park my car for only 5-6 hours, it will start right up again...
but
> > if I park for 11-12 hours or more, I find the battery has drained and
> > doesn't have enough charge left to start the car.
How old is the battery! >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jul 30, 2005
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 3:51 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Put a meter between the battery and the car and you will see the current
drain. Then pull individual fuses until the drain quits. That's
the circuit that has the parasitic drain. Posts on how to do this are
abundant."
Sounds like very good advice, thanks -- although getting to that fuse box
is always a struggle.
Assuming I do find the right fuse, what then? I
will still not know "which" circuit is causing
the problem, because my fuse box does not display
anything to indicate the circuits. And as for the
abundant posts... sorry to be so inexperienced, but what kind of search
would I run to find them? >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jul 30, 2005
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 4:00 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"The spark is normal. The car has computers and clocks and stuff that run
all the time.
However, you do have another current leak someplace, perhaps a light that
is left on, a
bad voltage regulator or another problem.
Jeff"
You have a point -- maybe that spark IS normal.
As for a light being left on, I sure haven't been
able to find one, although as another gent suggested, I didn't really look
closely at the brake light and will do that tonight.
Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I
will investigate each one carefully -- starting
with the easiest and cheapest, of course, LOL.
If anyone want to add another thought or suggestion, I'm always of the
opinion that one
cannot have "too much" information, and would
welcome any further ramblings.
Thanks again, all of you.
Polk >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jul 07, 2005
Posts: 14
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 3:10 am
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I pulled all the fuses in my 99 Windstar in the interior panel and still
have test light between positive post and cable well lit. Think I might
have a Voltage Regulator problem in my alternator. It puts out about
13.89 volts instead of the 14-15 and the battery charge light remains on.
Trouble is when they bench test it at the auto parts store where I bought
it they tell me the alternator is okay and diodes are good. >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jul 07, 2005
Posts: 14
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:30 pm
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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For those who might have a similar problem.... I had a good counterman at
the Oreilly auto parts store actually research the required alternator.
The one installed by a previous mechanic was the wrong amperage... 110
amps... the vehicle required an 130 amp alternator. Installed and Battery
Charge Light is OUT!! Problem Solved!! >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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External
Since: Jun 29, 2005
Posts: 1
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 3:13 am
Post subject: re:Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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Joined: Aug 15, 2005
Posts: 42
Location: Centerville, Utah
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:24 am
Post subject: Re: Battery Charge Drains Away [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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go through your car and give all the power switches a wiggle. i have heard of the power seat switches getting stuck on(but not on enough to move the seat) and draining the battery. if its not that take your battery somewhere and have it tested. there are several tests to see if your battery is good or bad. >> Stay informed about: Battery Charge Drains Away |
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