[cara4216]

I have a 95 escort and it is constantly blowing headlights, brake lights, the wipers will come on and off by themselves and the battery will not stay charged. The battery is only 3 months old and has been tested, its fine. As soon as I jump the car it starts, but once I turn it off it has to be jumped again. I know this is probably electrical short somewhere, but where? How do I find out or at least narrow it down? HELP!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Start with the basics:

. Remove and fully charge the battery. Only by placing it on a charger will you really know its condition. Clean the battery terminals, battery cables, and starter motor connections. Thoroughly clean the ground (-) and check the battery cables carefully for hidden corrosion or internal breaks.

. Test all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter.

. Check the ignition switch for wear, pitting, or melting.

. Check/replace the combination light switch.

. Test the alternator. Ensure the regulated battery voltage is 14 to 15 volts, with the engine idling.

. Stop jump starting the car. Jump starting a modern day car greatly increases the odds that a voltage spike or cable screw up will fry the ECM, alternator, or sensors. This may have already happened.

. Check for parasitic amperage drop.