Battery drain (Page 1/1)
peterh AUG 22, 05:52 PM
On my 1986 V6 SE I have a value of .25 amps when I use my meter to check for current drain. I used the meters upto 10 amp setup.
Car is otherwise stock excepty for aftermarket radio and Viper alarm system which I have moslty disabled.
I have rebuilt the headlight motors so they work properly.
Is this too high?
Thanks.
theogre AUG 22, 06:58 PM
Yes but shouldn't kill battery overnight. 0.25 amps could be trunk light or other small bulb but See my Cave, Battery Leaches

ECM and Radio only needs a few milliamps ~ 35 max

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

cyrus88 AUG 23, 02:07 AM
Does the Viper alarm system have a starter-kill relay? If so, disconnect it and check drain again. I have seen those relays wired incorrectly so that it remains on anytime the ignition is off. It wouldn't hurt to check drain after removing the aftermarket radio fuse.

peterh AUG 23, 03:53 PM
The Viper relay was disabled by a automotive electrical shop years ago.
According to the website site is says no more than 250 milliamps draw with radio and ecm and that is what I have, so I think I am good to go.
I would like to put in a cutoff shop but there is no room at battery, I tried one type and it would not work properly.
Thanks for help.
cyrus88 AUG 23, 06:41 PM
250 mA is a lot. In 40 hours it can drain 20% of a 50Ah battery.
cyrus88 AUG 23, 08:21 PM
Just some more info:

My car has aftermarket radio/GPS and alarm and only draws 18mA with everything off, and only 24mA with the alarm on.
peterh AUG 24, 07:05 PM
Cyrus,
I plan on systemattically checking every fuse and relay as suggested.
I have a customers car to finish and another to strip and scrap, I usually work on MG's etc.
Patrick AUG 24, 07:46 PM

quote
Originally posted by peterh:

I have rebuilt the headlight motors so they work properly.



Might still be worthwhile to temporarily disconnect the single wire to each headlight motor... just to absolutely rule out this common battery drain location.