i have a 96 dodge neon with problems. i had the battery checked and also the alternator but something keeps draining my battery, when i get the battery charged it is good for a week. any ideas
2006-09-11 06:50:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Hold on to you money a little longer! Maybe you can determine if the electrical system drawing down the batery when you aren't using the car. First of all you could disconnect the battery at night, and see if the car starts ok the next morning, (also a couple days if you aren't using it). If that is the problem, - a simple way to check to see what the problem is, - is to get a 12 volt light bulb hook a couple wires on it, and put between battery and battery cable (it really doesn't matter which side, as long as the other one is still hooked up). Now you can start disconnecting things and checking switches to make sure everything is "turned off" (note disconnect the "dome/interior light" - or check with doors shut). You could also open fuse panel and take out fuses (one at a time, - then replace), for radio, and other accessories that are supposed to be turned off with ignition key off. When the light goes out by battery, you have found the culprit! Of course you may still have to figure out what to do to fix it!
2006-09-11 13:23:03 · answer #1 · answered by guess78624 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a stereo AMP?
Have you moved, and now park on an incline?
You need to look for what is commonly called a "parasitic drain" in your electrical system.
The best way is to put an amp meter in the system, and watch it. How much of a draw is there? If it is more than about .025V-.030V, the battery won't handle it.
Remove the light bulb(s) from the trunk and glove box. Did the drain go away?
To locate the drain, begin removing fuses from the fuse box until you notice a significant drop in the drain. Now you have found the circuit, you begin to isolate the components of that circuit.
You may have an intermittent drain. But unless the car sits for long periods (> 3 - 5 days) the alternator should replenish the battery's charge. If it doesn't, suspect a bad alternator or a marginal battery.
Good Luck
2006-09-11 07:01:21 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
disconnect the negative battery cable. if you have an amp meter connect it in line with the battery and the cable. an excessive draw would be over 50milliamps. if you don't have an amp meter you can use a 12 volt test light. connect the same way. if the lamp lights than you have a draw on your battery. leave the test light connected and start removing all the fuses one at a time to see which one causes the test light to go out. if you are using an amp meter the draw should go under 50 milliamps. this will tell you which circuit is affected and what system is staying on
2006-09-11 07:01:10 · answer #3 · answered by roseland2911 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your battery is good taking a charge, and your alternator is good, You might check to see if you battery needs fluids, or replace it with a new battery.
2006-09-11 06:54:32 · answer #4 · answered by dancinintherain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmmm...sounds like the problem i had with my other car...change both..it should be all good after that...n dont use the radio wen the car is off...it could be a loose wire sumwere that is causin the power drain...
2006-09-11 06:58:23 · answer #5 · answered by ANONYMOUS 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it to an electrical shop...U may have a short some place.
2006-09-11 06:56:51 · answer #6 · answered by FORD on FIRE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋