Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

I have a 1996 impala SS that I replaced the battery with a new AC delco 78 battery but after around 2 weeks of installation the battery charge drained and I can't start the car. the positive battery cable is a fabricated cable and I think it is the reason behind battery drain, is that true?

btw I found AC delco positive battery cable for my impala at rockauto.com .

also is the positive battery cable is easy to install?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Any aftermarket equipment installed? You can put a volt meter in series with the battery and start pulling fuses. Here's a vid on how to:

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

the impala SS is stock. thanks for the vid.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Quite welcome. Make sure to watch the entire thing. Especially the part about the components going to "sleep." On my Camaro I found out a power module stays on for 10 minutes before it shutting down. This can cause an ~80mA draw on the battery.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

OK. thank you.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

SS RRR, I understood the whole vid except when you inspect the circuit diagram for the charge drain,

how to inspect the circuit diagram for the charge drain?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Do you have access to a Haynes manual or have do you have any diagrams? The problem area could be within the circuit, which a wiring diagram could make finding the draw easier by giving you a map where the circuit goes. Once you pull a fuse and the draw is significantly reduced you can then start looking at things within that circuit that may be an issue, like a bad switch or a grounded wire, etc...

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

SS RRR, I have a Haynes manual for the 1996 impala SS and there are circuit diagrams for the impala.

now, I ordered a Sinometer DT61 AC/DC 20A multimeter from amazon.com but I need long probe cables for this multimeter do you know how can I find long probe cables for this multimeter?

thanks.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I don't know. Not sure why you would need them?

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

I need the long probe cables for the multimeter so that when I'm inside the car at the driver side (fuses at the driver side) I can watch the multimeter Ambere while it is on the windshield, same as what is in the video you posted.

psychosid30

iTrader: (7)

It might not be the proper way, but, last time I had to do this I just connected my jumper cables to the battery and connected my probes to the other end...


I was in a bit of a hurry and didn't have time to search for long probes or fabricate a wire and alligator clamp extension harness for the probes.

moehorsepower

iTrader: (3)

Another shade tree way is to put a test light inline one of your battery cables, the light will be on, then start pulling fuses until the light goes out, then check that circut..

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

would that way make correct reading since the jumber cables might draw more electric power and hence different ambere reading than if with long probe cables?

any way your way at the end will show where the charge drain will be but i'm not sure maybe with different ambere reading maybe a little less thatn actual (with the long probe cables).

psychosid30

iTrader: (7)

The reading can be a little different than it would be directly at the battery. I can't remember exactly what the reading was as it has been a while since I've had to do this. It wasn't much though, as I had a high quality, heavy gauge set up cables, which limited increased amperage draw.
You are looking for a drain on the battery, so, it doesn't matter what the initial reading is (beyond the fact that the battery reads good), as you are looking for something that will change that reading.

psychosid30

iTrader: (7)

As always though, if you can find the proper leads, go ahead and do that. This is a back-yard way of doing it (which does work) to get you through a problem when you don't have the resources to perform the diagnostics in the preferred manner.


I don't want to get lambasted on this forum for promoting redneck engineering into everyone's lives!!

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

looks like you are correct psychosid30.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

I tested the car and the reading of the amps at 20 amp range was 00.00 A so shall I test at other range like 2m amp? although at second post of this thread the vid is saying 50mA = 0.05 A or less are OK and means no battery drain.

also when the battery was loosing charge I heared an electrical ringing sound under the steering wheel when I opened the driver door, any one knows what is the ringing sound? it might be the reason behind the battery drain.

the car is stock 1996 impala SS.

thanks for help.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

oh, the battery charge after charging it after the drain was 11.9 V and the battery is AC Delco 78A72 battery.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

any one can help!?