Something is killing my battery

[Beau-Kat]

Hey folks.

I previously had a painful problem with my 1985 Ranger (2WD 2.8 manual).

Something was randomly killing the battery. One day it would start fine and then one day it was stone dead.

I never found out what was causing the battery drain before I sold that truck.

Now, my 1987 Ranger (2WD 2.9 auto) has started doing the same thing.

The battery will not stay charged. It's like something is sticking and draining the battery as it sits in the driveway.

Any ideas???

Rusty

 

[Jason]

Disconnect the positive cable, then hook up an amp meter between the cable and terminal. Check and see if there is a draw. If there is, start pulling fuses one at a time until the draw is eliminated. Then search that circuit for the problem wire and/or switch.

 

[Navyrs]

I had the same problem about a month ago. My alternator was actually draining the battery while the truck was off.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

first place i always start is CLEAN the battery. i have diagnosed many many dead battery complaints that were caused by a dirt battery allowing current to leak right across the top.

i use CRC battery cleaner, comes in a yellow can and sprays onto the battery.. it turns pink when it comes into contact with acid which highlights problem spots. it then neutralizes the acid.

you can find out if current is leaking across the battery by using a digital voltmeter. connect 1 lead to either post of the battery and touch the other lead onto the top casing of the battery in several spots NEAR the other post. if it read anything other than 0 its leaking current

 

[bobbywalter]

battery worms....



jk......just being silly, i will move along

 

[ronclark]

Hey folks.

I previously had a painful problem with my 1985 Ranger (2WD 2.8 manual).

Something was randomly killing the battery. One day it would start fine and then one day it was stone dead.

I never found out what was causing the battery drain before I sold that truck.

Now, my 1987 Ranger (2WD 2.9 auto) has started doing the same thing.

The battery will not stay charged. It's like something is sticking and draining the battery as it sits in the driveway.

Any ideas???

Rusty

I had drain in my 87 too. it ended up being the glove box light stayed on when it was closed.
some how it got bent, so a small adjustment to the switch and its been good since.

 

[Beau-Kat]

Thanks.
Glove box light could be the problem.
There's a lot of stuff crammed in the glove box.
I'll check that and the other offers for solutions out.
Thanks y'all.

 

[Mark_88]

I had what I thought was a battery drain not too long ago...turned out to be the battery itself couldn't hold a charge...swapped in a $25 JY battery and it's been fine ever since...the old battery actually had a broken post on it...

 

[gsxjay]

i second the glove box light my 94 did that