Charging problem: battery on a 1992 Dodge van keeps going dead.?

Question

Battery checked okay, alternator checked okay, but battery still went dead in two days. Got new battery, went dead in three days. Alternator checked okay again. All electrical systems seem to work okay (all lights, horn, radio, blowers, etc). No visible short circuits, but something has to be shorting out. Will take it to an expert for repairs if necessary, but I'd like to know what is wrong before I do that. Anything else I should check?

More info . . . I agree it's a short somewhere, although I've tried finding it without success. Everything electrical seems to work normally, I don't see any sparking or smell any burning (electrical arcing has a distinct smell). I make sure everything is turned off before leaving the van, including electrical accessories that do not get juice when the ignition is off. The batteries are always sized for heavy duty trucks.

Answer 1

Probably a small short circuit.

Here's how you find it. Attach a volt/ohm meter to your battery and place it where you can read it. Make sure your battery is charged first.

Now access your fuse panel and pull each fuse one at a time and observe the meter at the same time. If the voltage reading on the meter doesn't rise slightly when the fuse is pulled, then that circuit is OK and replace the fuse. Then move on to the next fuse and do the same thing.

Continue doing this until you identify the circuit which causes the meter voltage to jump up when you pull the fuse. That is the one.

If the short occurs with the key removed, it's most likely a circuit which can be activated at any time, such as a dome light or perhaps aftermarket equipment like an alarm.

I've seen shorts in vehicles where trailer wiring is poorly installed, so if you have a trailer harness, check out where the connector end is and where the wiring passes through the sheetmetal.

Also check your underhood lamp, if you have one. It could be staying on once the hood is shut.

If that doesn't help, you will probably have to find a good automotive electric shop. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have had a ton of dodge/pltmouth vans and the only thing I can think of would be to check and see if anything stays on after the van is shut off. If it is a voyager or caravan does the drawer under the passenger seat close all the way? I also suggest you check all door switches due to the fact that they are infamous for door problems!!Check the cleanliness of both battery terminals and be sure that the light in the ash tray / lighter area goes out when you shut it. And last but not least check the plastic ring that is on your ignition switch.. there is a light in it and if the switch is not perfect on this it may stay lit!

Answer 3

We had that problem several times on our 91 Chevy car.Actually i kept going through batteries and alternators a few times.Turn out neither were bad it was a wire that somebody who owned the car before had ****** rigged it.The alternator was sometimes not charging right because of this wire which made the battery drain.We ended up taking it to a mechanic who figured that out.Itonly cost us $40.It's been fine since except 1 time it happened again and I was like oh not again but it turned out to be the alternator fuse.

Answer 4

check your battery terminals are clean and securely fitted ( TIGHT)
also check chassis and engine earths are clean and secure then check for residual drain on battrey eg accessories, bootlights, glovebox lights, stereos load test battery possible internal short in alternator cheers rumrunner

Answer 5

mabe a small load left on battery after the car is turned off.

Answer 6

I would unhook the ground off of the battery.If there is a small spark you have a load draw.then hook up your multimeter and set it to 10amp setting.anything above .25 amp is to much .
good hunting

Answer 7

Is the battery strong enough for the truck? Do you turn everything off before you leave it?

Answer 8

It is probably your alternator.