I pulled the interior light bulb above my head in my 2000 dodge neon, the battery keeps dying?

Question

I pulled the interior light bulb above my head in my 2000 dodge neon. My car battery keeps dying though. The light stayed on because the back passenger door wouldnt shut completely and the light stayed on. I pulled it and the battery keeps dying. It can get jumped and run all day. Once the car doesnt get started for a certain amount of time it would need a jump. I was thinkin , alternator, possibly a new battery of course

Answer 1

Assuming the battery is good (go test it), pulling the bulb may not solve the complete problem. The problem is happening at the switch for the back door which is closing and sending out power. Maybe it also sends out power to something else (interior lights, exterior lights, dashboard warning, etc.)

Disconnect the switch... not the light bulb and see what happens.

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Answer 2

Here is the test procedure for determining battery or alternator problem after requiring a jump start. Note, requires a voltmeter [$3.50 at Harbor Freight]. In your case you might start at step 4. 1] Check battery voltage on non-start vehicle. Will probably be under 12V. Verify good clean connections, look for cracked corroded or loose terminals. 2] Jump start. Note, always have the jumper vehicle running when performing a jump start, sounds basic but I actually had a friend who argued it should not, meaning he would be jumping with less voltage & could strand both vehicles. 3] With jumper cables removed, check voltage at battery. It should be 12.8V to 13.7V. If below 12.8V the alternator or voltage regulator are suspect. If in the range, the battery is either dead, low on water or in need of a full charge. If over 14.7V the voltage regulator is not functioning properly. 4] Failing those problems, with the vehicle shut off & the doors closed, disconnect the battery ground cable, put a 12V test light between the battery negative & a known good ground. If it lights, something, like an interior or glovebox lamp is staying on. Take your time, be methodical & good luck! I was an ASE certified Technician & GNB Battery, customer service rep.

Answer 3

Here is the test procedure for determining battery or alternator problem after requiring a jump start. Note, requires a voltmeter [$3.50 at Harbor Freight]. In your case you might start at step 4.
1] Check battery voltage on non-start vehicle. Will probably be under 12V. Verify good clean connections, look for cracked corroded or loose terminals.
2] Jump start. Note, always have the jumper vehicle running when performing a jump start, sounds basic but I actually had a friend who argued it should not, meaning he would be jumping with less voltage & could strand both vehicles.
3] With jumper cables removed, check voltage at battery. It should be 12.8V to 13.7V. If below 12.8V the alternator or voltage regulator are suspect. If in the range, the battery is either dead, low on water or in need of a full charge. If over 14.7V the voltage regulator is not functioning properly.
4] Failing those problems, with the vehicle shut off & the doors closed, disconnect the battery ground cable, put a 12V test light between the battery negative & a known good ground. If it lights, something, like an interior or glovebox lamp is staying on.

Take your time, be methodical & good luck!
I was an ASE certified Technician & GNB Battery, customer service rep.

Answer 4

If your battery is over 3 yrs. old have it load tested at the auto parts store. Some batteries will last longer, but most start getting weak after 3 yrs.