Hi, i have a '99 Dodge Dakota and have a electrical problem i can't figure out.
If i don't drive the truck for 2 days, it drains the battery.
I have checked everything i can possibly think that would normally cause this.
I did have a friend plug a hand-held diagnostic into the port below the steering wheel, with no results(codes, that is).
There is a short, or ground somewhere, because i can disconnect the positive cable, and, with a test light, it will come on (radio/clock fuse removed).
I have noticed a "clicking" behind the glove-box when the battery is low......
any ideas?
thanks
wayne

txgreasemonkey

Parasitic drain from antitheft, stereo system, and clock . It could also be a short circuit, causing a continuous drain on the battery, or an internally defective battery.

kitch428

This is a common trick for a DIY'er. Disconnect the battery negitive termanal and put a test light between the neg post and the termanal. It will glow bright with a high amp draw. Now, make sure all doors are shut and key removed. It should dim a bit. Now start pulling fuses one by one until the circuit is found, or test light almost goes out. That will be where the problem area lies. There are a lot of capacitors that hold current even ater the battery is disconnected for several min, so keep that in mind.
BTW, leave the positive term alone.

txgreasemonkey

kitch428, great idea!