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Old 11-11-2019, 01:13 AM   #62880
soundman98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dadhawk View Post
That's what I was working on today, and couldn't find anything. Going to go through them once again if necessary.
yeah, i'd definitely try disconnecting the alternator next. but obviously somethings not shutting down. automotive electrical systems have changed a lot over the years-- used to be any load over 0.5A was considered excessive, anything under that was 'normal'. now i'm told some modules can consistently draw less than that when they're running properly. but many rely on signals from other modules before they shut down. lose that signal in any number of ways and the module will continue drawing power until there's none left.

my parents have had a '94 and a '99 (technically a late-production '98), both have had issues with random grounds from time to time rotting out. so if the alternator doesn't show anything, i'd definitely try locating and inspecting the various grounds that are exposed to the elements within the engine bay.

one time, the starter ground came loose, and through whatever voodoo, the shortest electrical path for the power was through the 18 gauge horn wire. couldn't figure it out, tried starting it 3 times, stopped trying when magic smoke came out of the grille-- a long ways from the starter location.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dadhawk View Post
Shouldn't need a battery maintainer for 3 to 7 days ( about as long as it goes).
agreed, but a maintainer is sometimes easier than tracking down the real issue!
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