AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Electrical => Topic started by: anrkii on May 31, 2013, 04:48:34 AM

Title: Battery drain causes?
Post by: anrkii on May 31, 2013, 04:48:34 AM
Every time my eagle sits for more than a couple of days it drains the battery flat.

Are there any typical causes of this on these cars?

I notice as soon as I hook up a charged battery the chime under the dash beeps for a moment, is this normal?
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: BenM on May 31, 2013, 10:01:01 AM
My top suspects are a bad diode in the alternator, a common problem with all Delco alts, or a bad oil pressure switch.

The switch can be checked by seeing if there's any voltage at the electric choke wire, and the alternator can be checked at most major auto chains for free while it's in the car. The alt is a Delco 10si with an internal regulator and cheap, or the regulator easily replaced.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: eagleman on May 31, 2013, 12:54:24 PM
I agree with Ben,check the alternator.Sounds like it may have a open circuit.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: DaemonForce on May 31, 2013, 07:33:03 PM
Check for any aux devices that are eating more energy than they should, bad alternator, bad oil pressure switch, shorted power window switch, shorted power seat switch(I'm not kidding)...Outside of that I can't help you.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: 1985amceagle on May 31, 2013, 08:18:08 PM
if you would unhook one circuit at a time, it would narrow down on what is. I provided a fuse chart also that Mudkicker originally posted:

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc55/mudkicker715/eagle86/misc/om077.jpg)
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: JayRamb on May 31, 2013, 09:03:33 PM
Quote from: 1985amceagle on May 31, 2013, 08:18:08 PM
if you would unhook one circuit at a time, it would narrow down on what is. I provided a fuse chart also that Mudkicker originally posted:

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc55/mudkicker715/eagle86/misc/om077.jpg)
I am having the same exact problem with my battery running low after about a week of sitting. I do have a question, it's been a long day so forgive me but, how could unhooking one circuit at a time narrow down my problem...thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: JayRamb on May 31, 2013, 09:08:05 PM
Oh Plus, it happens to drain if I disconnect the positive battery cable. It will still drain. What gives?
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: DaemonForce on May 31, 2013, 10:20:17 PM
That's the last thing you can do before deciding it's just a bad battery. Time to replace it.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: mudkicker715 on May 31, 2013, 10:28:12 PM
Disconnecting one circuit at a time with an amp meter tells you what circuit has the biggest draw.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: 1985amceagle on June 01, 2013, 11:28:09 AM
Thanks mk for posting that. I was figureing that if you unhook a circuit so it is not getting power, you would be able to just the items on that circuit.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: carnuck on June 02, 2013, 04:47:15 PM
You can put an ammeter between the clamp and post. It should read zero with everything turned off. Glovebox light tends to stick. If you have self leveling air ride (like mine) I have to shut the switch off if I let it sit loaded. If you park on an angle the underhood light can come on. Brake light switch can stick. Bad alt was suggested too.
   
IF THE BATTERY GOES DEAD WITHOUT A CABLE ON IT, IT'S A BAD BATTERY. PERIOD!
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: anrkii on June 05, 2013, 04:16:20 AM
got it figured out, when I pulled out of the garage at night I noticed the headliner was glowing under the pass. sunvisor. the visor mirror light had been on for who knows how long!

Sometimes its the silly things that get you.
Title: Re: Battery drain causes?
Post by: eagleman on June 05, 2013, 06:16:09 PM
That is good news and a simple fix.Ya know sometimes one can't see the forest for the trees. Glad you found it!