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    waynesworld's Avatar
    waynesworld Posts: 39, Reputation: 3
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 26, 2006, 07:09 PM
    Battery Discharge
    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's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    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's Avatar
    kitch428 Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 152
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    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's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Dec 28, 2006, 06:39 PM
    kitch428, great idea!
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