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waynesworld
Dec 26, 2006, 07:09 PM
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
Dec 26, 2006, 07:26 PM
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
Dec 28, 2006, 06:28 PM
This is a common trick for a DIY'er. Disconnect the battery negative termanal and put a test light between the negative 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
Dec 28, 2006, 06:39 PM
kitch428, great idea!