Arc00TA

iTrader: (17)

Okay, so I'm stranded about 900 miles from home and any tools, and my car has decided that batteries are a tasty treat. If I even shut it off for an hour the battery is completely drained. What the hell gives? I've never had an electrical problem before, and nothing has changed (no new radio, etc). Does anyone have an idea where I can start looking? It ate through 2 optima red tops and one bosch thing in the last 2 days, and it is draining them to the point where they can't even be charged any more.

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

Thats a big draw then.
I'd check a big item like the alternator first. You need to check the amperage draw key off.

Arc00TA

iTrader: (17)

I picked up a multimeter at pep boys and got to checking. Alternator is good, charges good and no draw when the key is off. Could it be a bad starter? Thats the only other thing I can think that would draw that much. How would I go about checking it? I put the newest battery in today for a few minutes to make sure it would start and all and it went from 12.3v to 11.9v in the time it took me to hook it up and unhook it (maybe 10min).

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

You need to check the amperage draw off the battery. One cable disconnected, & the amp meter leads in between. one on the battery one on the cable.
Then check the draw with everthing off. Not sure that's what you where doing???
The volt meter just has to have that capability to test for amperage.
50 milliamps is the max rule of thumb but in experence 30 ma max is prefered.

Arc00TA

iTrader: (17)

It doesn't matter which post? If it is more than normal, how do I find out where its going?

Arc00TA

iTrader: (17)

Okay so I tried that, nothing. 0mA draw. The alternator runs the car just fine with the battery unhooked so I doubt that is the problem. Can it be something on a relay that doesn't switch until the battery is hooked up?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

You might have to start pulling fuses one at a time to find the assclown.

Arc00TA

iTrader: (17)

I think I might have found it. My brake lights are staying on when I leave the car. I don't know how fast that will drain it though, I had to adjust the switch so they would shut off.

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

That would do it. If you test for a draw either terminal it should have some measurable draw. If it is 0 either you have a bad connection or a blown fuse in your meter.