ms69
Nov 29th, 03, 06:33 AM
(69 camaro)..Something is draining my battery. I have placed a light tester between neg terminal and neg cable and the light comes on. From there I pulled each fuse hoping that I would isolate the closed circuit, but the light remained on with each fuse I pulled. Moving on from there I replaced the voltage regulator, and when I conducted the light test again, the light did not come on..problem solved!? not at all. I fully charged the battery and the next morning, it was dead again. I tested the alternator and it is charging 15-17 volts. So, it seems okay even though there could be an internal problem within the alternator that is causing the drain. I have checked all wiring/grounds/replaced terminal ends where needed, tried a new battery and I still have a problem. I am running out of ideas..ANY SUGGESTIONS!!! THANKS!
John_Muha
Nov 29th, 03, 07:51 AM
Problem sounds like it's under the hood. Disconnect the large alternator wire from the horn relay and repeat the test.
BTW
The alternator is running way too high. Shouldn't have any voltage above 14.7 max. Guessing the alternator is the problem.
ms69
Nov 29th, 03, 09:43 AM
I suspect you are right. I disconnected the large wire from the horn relay. After that I attached the clip of the light tester to the negative battery terminal, and probed the large wire connection at the alternator. The light lit up. Not sure how, but it did. What can you gather from this test?
dnult
Nov 29th, 03, 10:03 AM
I believe the alternator wire is hot all the time. So that test probably doesn't tell you much. The thing to do is to install the test light between the battery terminal clamp and the battery post. It doesn't matter which - hot or ground. Then start pulling fuses until the light goes out. You can also disconnect the hot lead from the alternator. Once the light extingueshes, you've found the circuit where the drain is comming from.
John_Muha
Nov 29th, 03, 10:49 AM
Unless I misread something as I often do, sounds lik you tried pulling the fuses already. As Dave said probing around doesn't show anything. Go back to your test of putting the test light between the negative post and the negative cable.
Disconnect the wires off the horn relay.
Light should be off.
Attach the wire that goes to the bulkhead connector.
Repeat test.
Guessing the light will remain off.
Attach the alternator wire.
repeat test.
Guessing the light will be on.
ms69
Nov 29th, 03, 12:15 PM
I installed the new alternator, and with a multi-tester, it is charging to about 14.7 volts just as you indicated. I am going to do the circuit test as you suggested. I really think the alternator was the problem. I appreciate all the help! We'll see how it goes.