Starting problem

[99_3.0]

I've been having a problem starting my truck the past week or so. If I leave it overnight the battery is always dead. The battery will have enough power to turn the dash lights on dim but not enough to crank it over. The truck never dies after it is started, just when it has sat. I haven't had the alternator checked yet but idk if that is the problem. It's the factory battery too. Theres no lights or anything being left on or any of that. I've heard that the alternator will become warm when the engine is cool because it's drawing power still, if that is the problem? I can afford to buy a new alternator and a battery, but i'd rather not if I didn't have to. Any help would be incredible.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Sounds like you have a pretty decent parasitic draw happening when it sits. Something is drawing power even when the truck is shut off. Do you have a multimeter?

 

[99_3.0]

I do not have one currently. It's just weird though, I've had my subwoofers and fog lights in for quite a while now and I would think that those would be the issue. Also my positive terminal on my battery corrodes REALLY fast. It needs to be cleaned with a wire brush atleast once a week. The only thing that I can think of that's drawing power is when I charge my Ipod or cell phone. But that should never kill the battery from what power they pull. I'll check and see if the alternator is warm tomorrow before I start it up, see if that's the problem.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Many things can cause a draw...including a bad alternator itself. With a multimeter and a couple hours its not that hard to pinpoint the circuit that is the problem.

 

[99_3.0]

I'm not completely understanding what i'm thinking about right now. A bad alternator would not, (correct me if I'm wrong), charge the battery. Therefore when the battery dies the engine should die. But the engine never dies once it has started. (Just had it idling for about 30 mins). Therefore if I am right (probably not) then the alternator isn't to blame. I have the fuse pulled for the amp power wire and the switch is off for my fog lights. So somewhere something has started pulling power when off... correct?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes something is drawing power when the truck is off.

The diodes inside the alternator can become shorted, and will cause a draw while still putting out 12+V and otherwise operating normally.

To check for a draw, get yourself a multimeter. Disconnect the positive battery terminal. Connect one lead from the multimeter to the battery post, attach the other lead to the batter cable so that you complete the circuit. Set your multimeter to the appropriate amps setting. Make sure the key is off, all accessories are off or unplugged. Shut the doors so that the dome light is off, remove the under hood light bulb if you have one. You will have to let the truck sit for a bit (10-20 minutes) so that everything has a chance to power down (PCM/GEM module, etc.)After everything goes to sleep, you should get a reading of 0.05amps or less. If it is more, start remove fuses from your fuse panel inside the truck until the draw goes away. Once you find the fuse that causes the draw, that is the circuit that is causing your problem. You then need to investigate that circuit further to pinpoint the exact cause.

Hope that helps.

 

[99_3.0]

That helps immensely. Guess i'm going to buy a multimeter tomorrow . Your a lifesaver.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

No problem at all.

 

[99_3.0]

Alright just got done testing it. Currently it is drawing .35 amps. The truck has been sitting for probably 30 minutes. I will go tonight after work and start pulling fuses and stuff. Thanks for your help man.

 

[88_Eddie]

i just went through this same exact problem on my 88 BII. i know they are different cars, but my BII was dying overnight as well. i took off the alternator and went up to napa and had them test it. they have a machine with a belt on it and my alternator would even turn the machine on. the guy said it was bad bearings. anyways, i replaced the alternator and it took care of the problem.

 

[99_3.0]

Ill definitely check that out tonight. I'll start with the alternator first, hopefully I won't have to pull too many fuses.

 

[modelageek]

I have a ? If you didn't have a multi meter couldn't you diconnect the wire going to the alternater and the next morning if the battery has juice then you would have a bad alternater

 

[99_3.0]

As long as the battery is charged before you disconnect the alternator. If the battery is dead before disconnecting it, you get the idea.

I just tested all the fuses and relays in the power distribution box and none stopped the draw. I disconnedted both wire connecters at the alternator and the draw was still there. Guess it's in one of the fuses inside the cab. Got a cheapo actron multi meter for $35 at advance auto. WOOOHOO for cheap sh**.

 

[Frmboybuck]

Sounds like a bad battery to me. If this is in your 99 and its the factory battery, I'd say its going dead. Take it to Advance or Oreillys and have them test it. Your alternator sounds good to me

 

[modelageek]

I was thinking of that also but assumed that was already elimanated. If you have a charger take the cables off charge it up. Let it sit overnight either out of the truck or with the cables off and see if it holds a charge