Battery drainage

[ericcris10sen]

Okay I am going to start this over because I was in a rush this morning. Okay, for almost a couple weeks my truck has stopped working after I have it off for maybe 5+ hours. I thought perhaps some corrosion seeped into it and it destroyed the battery. I was able to jump start it all the time but it was a real PITA. So, 2 days ago I decided to purchase a new battery. Yesterday in the morning. It started. Then after work, it didn't. So I was pretty frustrated and tried one thing before I would take it to a mechanic. I pulled off all the extra wires, which was for my LED light as well as my winch. Had it jump started, drove home. This morning it STARTED! YEY! So as of now, that is what I think it could have been. Maybe those items were drawing power from my battery even though the truck wasn't on and the light/winch wasn't on. If it dies again, I'll update you guys and maybe it could be something else.

So, since I'm mechanically challenged, is this a common issue? Do you sometimes get lights or winches or equipment drawing battery power when it shouldn't? Also, is there some kind of quick dis/connect that you can install? Say there's a lever or a plug you can pull that will separate the wiring so it won't draw power, and when you need to use it, all you'd do is plug it back in.

 

[march490]

I would try doing a diag on the charging system ( Alternator). But other than that. Very wrll could be an accessory slowly draining your Batt.

 

[ericcris10sen]

I would try doing a diag on the charging system ( Alternator). But other than that. Very well could be an accessory slowly draining your Batt.

Actually the alternator was one thing I was thinking it could be! I'm mechanically challenged so I was going to YouTube how to do certain diagnostics and see what might be the problem. But I do think it was the winch and/or the light doing the draining. But we'll see after work and in the morning tomorrow!

 

[march490]

I am not sure where you can go for a free charging system Diag. Unless you know someone who works in a shop. Most ED-18 Battery Testers come equipped with a basic alternator/charging system tests that only take a few minutes.
Most shops do free battery tests but they usually charge for charging system tests for some reason. If you were in NW Arkansas I'd do the diag for you for free!

You may look into Bluetooth ODB2 module. With the phone app. Its really a solid price. I saw it on Primes build. Its basically an engine code scanner but the mobile app connected through bluetooth has a lot of in depth information on your vehicle. Its definitely on my next purchase list!

 

[granitex]

All parts stores will run the diagnostic for free

As for the disconnect there is a very easy one to hook up, if you are running an aux distribution it can be for that only, or you can take the entire electrical system out with it. Basically a big red key that you can mount under the hood.

 

[Creepy Cruiser]

You can also go to harbor freight and get a free multi meter this month, and test each wire individually, see exactly how much current each is drawing. (or if you miss the sale, I think they are only like $5.)

 

[ericcris10sen]

All parts stores will run the diagnostic for free

As for the disconnect there is a very easy one to hook up, if you are running an aux distribution it can be for that only, or you can take the entire electrical system out with it. Basically a big red key that you can mount under the hood.

Do you have a link on how to do that? Or is there a certain name for that mod? I'd like to give it a try. Sounds exactly what I'm looking for!


Well I took it to an auto parts and he said that when he hooked it up, he didn't see much drain on the battery so I'm not sure. But I DO think that was what the problem was. My truck is starting up perfectly and I see no problems with it! I think I have a multimeter somewhere so I'll look up how to test the wires and see if it's pulling anything. Thanks for that suggestion Creepy!

 

[Creepy Cruiser]

It's super easy. If you run into any problems let me know.

 

[ericcris10sen]

Will do, thank you Creepy

 

[Thanks48]

You don't need that just turn the car on with a fully charged battery and after its runs for a few mins disconnect the hot wire from the battery if the car dies alternator is dead and not charging the battery another possibility is that the time you went off roading you got mud built up in the alternator plug can also cause the alternator to fail so look at that its on the top side of the alternator other then that a frequent problem is the glove compartment light staying on take out the bulb see if that fixes the problem and last of all check and see if you have a short around the starter connections and alternator connections and wires leading to the battery cause that will do it as well I had the same problems you did an that's the steps I took