Thanks for the input so far. I've found 1 of the culprits, it was the bad door jamb switch that Don suggested. Also, I've traced out the turn signal connection drain, by jumping the wires one at a time, and the drain only appears when the ground is connected. Makes no sense to me. I'm getting ready to take the Alt off and have it tested, if cheap enough, maybe I'll just buy one. OK, back to the garage to work some more, remember, I still have half of the front suspension to put back on. Take it easy all.
Dan McIntosh
65 Malibu
I never thought of that, it is definitely possible. Mine does the same thing but it has a new battery, new alt, new dist, etc. I just haven't had the time to go trace down the problem.
When you find out what the problem is, let us know.
Don
Dan I have had this problem before and most of the time it is the alternator. Chances are pretty good that if you unhook alternator and hook it back up after a couple of days when you need the car it will run.
When alternators start going bad they seam to draw when it is not wanted. Another test I have used is have the car running then remove the positive, the car should stay running.
Dave
Ingersoll,Ontario
My web site: http://members.tripod.com/benj30/
----- Original Message -----
From: Don
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2002 2:26 AM
Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] battery drain
This is a tuff one. Electrical problems can be a bear to track down. But...
There should be 12 volts to the alt stud if the battery is charged & everything else is turned off.
There should be 0 volts to the dome light if the door & light switches are all off. I'm not sure about the harness connection but I would imagine it should be about 12 volts anywhere there is electricity unless it's through a resister wire.
Off hand I'd say there is possibly a short in the dome light circuit or one of the door switches is bad. The low voltage may be because of a low battery or just a lot of resistance in the circuit.
Anyway that's my best guess.
Anyone else want to take a stab at diagnosing Dan's problem?
Don
Hello,
OK, I got a real stumper that's got me scratching my head. My battery goes dead if it sits for like two days. So, following the directions posted on http://www.carcraft.com/editorial/article_popup.jsp?id=53320&sidebar=1 ,
I removed the neg. cable and placed a voltmeter between the battery terminal and the neg. cable. It read 12.6 volts. Traced through and found 3 culprits, and cannot figure this out anymore.
CULPRIT #1- Alternator- meter reads 7 volts when battery lead is placed on alt. stud.
0 when removed. Checked ohms between stud and ground, no continuity.
CULPRIT #2- Dome light- Meter reads 12.6 when bulb is installed, 0 when removed.
Does not appear to matter if door is opened or closed.
CULPRIT #3- Turn signal harness connector. (half moon shaped under column).
Meter reads 7 volts when connected, 0 when disconnected.
I am completely baffled by this now, if anyone can help I would be forever in your debt. Thanks all.
Dan McIntosh
65 Malibu
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Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] battery drain
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