Parasitic battery drain - what am I missing? (Page 2/5)
Tha Driver JUN 16, 10:29 PM
Unhook one of the battery cables. Put a test light (or any 12v. bulb) between the cable & the battery. If you have a drain, it will light up. Pull each fuse until it goes out - that's the circuit that's draining your battery.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts
Gall757 JUN 16, 10:32 PM

quote
Originally posted by CenLA:
Okay, so here's where I'm at.
Does this make the alternator the actual problem or is it just the beginning in a series of steps to getting to another problem?



Looks like you have more than one problem. The alternator has a short inside.....and then you need to find the additional small drain.
IXSLR8 JUN 17, 01:50 AM
Looks like you found it. Replace your alternator with a US made one if you can find it. Most of the Chinese made stuff I've experienced doesn't last long or is already defective when it comes to you over the counter. I hate that. I am more than willing to pay twice as much for a US made automotive product because I don't have to replace it anytime soon. It just lasts. I see this a lot with electronics and bearings.

You should have a normative small drain on your battery from the PCM and your radio.

[This message has been edited by IXSLR8 (edited 06-17-2014).]

fastblack JUN 17, 10:03 AM
As previously stated, you will always have a small drain on the battery.

Before buying a new alternator, be sure to have it tested. If it comes out OK then it's the wire going from the C500 to the alternator (ultimately the problem on my car). If you replace the wire, be sure you leave the fusible link in the section of wire by the C500, do NOT replace it with some sore of in-line fuse. Always use quality connectors too.

Obviously if the alternator is bad it will need replacing. Many will suggest replacing it with one from an 88 since it is better quality. Doing a quick search here or checking out the Ogre's cave again will give you a lot of info on this swap.

[This message has been edited by fastblack (edited 06-17-2014).]

craigtbone JUN 17, 11:55 AM
I am a little late to the discussion...

I had a battery drain that I could not find. Out of desperation I took it to my favorite shop. He pulled out the cigarette lighter and the drain stopped.

The cigarette lighter had corroded and puffed up causing a connection through the corrosion. Not a complete connection, just partial.

The scary part is it could have started a fire. Well, maybe not. These cars do not catch fire.

Craig T.
CenLA JUN 17, 06:07 PM
I picked up an Delco-Remy reman alternator at Autozone today for $70.00. I'm still not convinced it's the alternator but I can't see any issue from the thick red cable towards the battery. I will swap it out and see if it fixes it. It's still the only thing that dropped the high amperage when disconnected. I'm assuming if it was the lighter or trunk light that the issue would have gone away when the fuses were pulled, right?
CenLA JUN 17, 07:51 PM
easier said than done. Apparently it is near impossible to remove an alternator out of an 86 SE with automatic transmission. Even with the tie-rod and mud skirting removed I don't see enough room to get it out. Ideas?
Neils88 JUN 17, 10:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by CenLA:

easier said than done. Apparently it is near impossible to remove an alternator out of an 86 SE with automatic transmission. Even with the tie-rod and mud skirting removed I don't see enough room to get it out. Ideas?



I would first prove that it is the alternator. Disconnect the battery (+) first. Remove the positive connection from the alternator, then cover the end with electrical tape for safety. Next put an ammeter between the battery cable and positive terminal of the battery. If you still read more than about 20mA, then the alternator is not your problem...no need to change it. If it reads around 20mA, then you have found the problem and can progress with the aggravation of replacing the alternator.
Neils88 JUN 17, 10:22 PM

quote
Originally posted by CenLA:

I picked up an Delco-Remy reman alternator at Autozone today for $70.00. I'm still not convinced it's the alternator but I can't see any issue from the thick red cable towards the battery. I will swap it out and see if it fixes it. It's still the only thing that dropped the high amperage when disconnected. I'm assuming if it was the lighter or trunk light that the issue would have gone away when the fuses were pulled, right?



Sorry...looks like you already did test it...if the current draw dropped when it was disconnected, then that should be your problem.
fastblack JUN 18, 12:55 AM
Ahh those pesky automatics, another reason I'm glad to own a 5-speed is for alternator replacement. You're on the right track in taking it out through the wheel well. I've heard of folks taking it out through the top but involved removing the dog bone and some other stuff that seemed like just as much of a hassle as going through the wheel well.