I need help diagnosing an electrical power drain

[99gst_racer]

Hey guys. I just got the car out of storage for the year. I installed my new 850's, my new Aeromotive AFPR, and DSMlink. The car runs great now. But, I am experiencing an electrical power drain. I found this article and followed the steps but came up with nothing. It didn't show that anything was drawing power. Yet, after one hour, my battery was completely dead. This is extremely frusterating.

It also might be important to note that my turn signals are not working either (they havent worked in a couple years) and my power door locks quit working last fall right before I put the car up for storage. I have checked all the fuses and none were blown or missing.

If anyone has any hints, tips, input or advice, please share. Thanks in advance.

 

[luv2rallye]

First have your battery tested to make sure it holds proper charge. Also alternator. You can then try my article: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1496998#post1496998.

 

[99gst_racer]

First have your battery tested to make sure it holds proper charge.

I'm actually taking my Optima red top into work tomorrow, and I'm swapping it for a new one. That will eliminate the possibility of a bad battery.

Also alternator.

I was going to rule out the possibility of a bad alternator due to the fact that when the car is running, it seems to be charging just fine. Is there anything specific I should do/check regarding the alternator.

You can then try my article: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1496998#post1496998.

Thanks for the link.


I'll post back tomorrow after I replace the battery.

 

[luv2rallye]

I was going to rule out the possibility of a bad alternator due to the fact that when the car is running, it seems to be charging just fine. Is there anything specific I should do/check regarding the alternator.

To properly test an alternator it has to be brought in to an alternator/starter specialty shop - not an auto store (which only tests go/no go output voltage). The alt. shop will test for too high AC voltage, max current draw, bad diodes/regulator, thermal, short protection, low & hi speed operation, current drain when not spinning, bad bearings/brushes, and a dozen other things. Only take it in if you suspect the alt. In your case check for shorts (with test light in series with battery per my article) first since you strongly suspect a drain. Disconnect the alt (all wires) as the first test since it may even be the culpret drain (insulate the large wire when you remove it from touching anything).