Battery issue

[iwannadie]

So, Ive been working on my supra it sat for like 3 weeks maybe 4. Go to start it up the batt is dead. I took it to a Checkers to have it tested, they told me its dead as in a bad battery.

Its a diehard weather handler, so I go back to sears where they test it. Sears says its just drained and needs charged. 45 minutes later sears says it should be fine now, the charger gave them no errors.

Well got the battery home and it started right up no problems at all, 20 hours later I start it again with slight struggle then I drove it a while to charge it. Then I go to start it tonight a full 50 hours after the sears charge and the batt is totally dead. No lights, gauges no thing at all.

Now Im wondering is it the battery is just dead and cant hold a charge or do I have another problem draining the batt? Ive never had an issue like this so I dont know where to even start lol. I did change the batt ground strap to the block. Its slightly bigger than the old one, can you have Too much ground?

 

[86_sports_1jz]

probably a bad battery not holding charge but it never hurts to check other stuff to see if anything possibly draining battery

 

[BlackMKIII]

Die Hard batteries SUCK ASS.

Go buy an Interstate. I have NEVER had any problems with my MTP-27 in almost 2 years, even leaving it 2 months while I was away. All it needed was a jump and it's been perfect since.

 

[jdub]

In AZ you want a Duralast Gold from AutoZone. It has a 3 year full replacement warranty...since a battery only lasts 2-3 years in the AZ heat (where you and I live), you'll get a free one next round. Already got one replaced for free

Get your alternator checked.

 

[Doward]

Get your altenator checked. Autozone's Duralast Gold is the best lead acid battery I've ever used.

 

[jetjock]

Yeah, that's it...too much ground

Edjumacate yourself: http://tinyurl.com/27paxl

 

[Poodles]

I run an optima only because everytime a battery has gone bad on me they've leaked...

 

[iwannadie]

Well thanks for all the info, I got my battery back today and it charged/tested fine. So that means the battery is good and the supra is some how killing it Fast.

Im at a total lose as to where to look for a drain really... The car is gutted right now basicaly, climate control / heater core / ac / radio / interior lights are all gone. I dont know what could be On that will drain a fully charged battery over night? Headlights were certainly not on lol.

I remeber before I put the gauge cluter back in the green igition light was on, after the gauges went in my batt seemed to die. Could the gauge cluster some how be using power, even though its not showing signs of it?

I hate to put the batt in and disconnect stuff(what little is left) and let it sit over night, I know each time the bat is run dry is killing it.

 

[Piratetip]

You need to hook an ammeter in series off the battery to look for a parasitic draw when the car is off.
Everything has to be off, all lights ect...

For reference my car draws around approx .001 amps when off. I was able to watch the draw change when security light would blink on and off.

If you have excessive draw, the tedious work of electrical troubleshooting begins.

 

[iwannadie]

You need to hook an ammeter in series off the battery to look for a parasitic draw when the car is off.
Everything has to be off, all lights ect...

For reference my car draws around approx .001 amps when off. I was able to watch the draw change when security light would blink on and off.

If you have excessive draw, the tedious work of electrical troubleshooting begins.

Ya, this sounds like its going to be a fun time lol.:kaboom:

 

[Piratetip]

Actually if you go about it in a systematic way it can be quite easy. Unfortunately there are many people that wont touch any electrical.

 

[iwannadie]

I have a cheapO mulitmeter with test leads, can I use that to measure the current, while pulling fuses? Or, will I need a clip on ammeter like this?

 

[Piratetip]

I'm guessing your multimeter can't perform this test, but read the manual just to make sure.

That is an inductive style.
I would recommend a Fluke DVOM in series.
Like this.
They aren't cheap though. Mine was around 400$

 

[iwannadie]

I'm guessing your multimeter can't perform this test, but read the manual just to make sure.

That is an inductive style.
I would recommend a Fluke DVOM in series.
Like this.
They aren't cheap though. Mine was around 400$

Yea, Im not spending 400 on a meter right now :\ Would the cheapO CM work for my needs ha.

I read in another post that I can use a 'test light' which sounded real simple and cheap lol. Ill check my multimeter and see if I can use it though...

 

[suprastanger507mgte]

So ...were you able to find the cause of the current draw? I picked up a car and that is one of the problems it has. Batterey is new. Left it overnight abut can't start it today. ( it was a fully charged battery.

How do I hook up the DVOM in Series and check??? Any illustrations?
Thanks guys...

 

[59blane]

A wealth of information can be found here...

http://www.autoshop101.com/

Bruce

 

[suprastanger507mgte]

A wealth of information can be found here...

http://www.autoshop101.com/

Bruce

Kool thanks. I will check that site out.