Trying to figure out what is draining my battery. Battery had died to the point I had to replace it. Car was running fine, then started to lose charge again. Now I have a new battery and something is draining it. Testing it while running, I've found that battery voltage is handing around 11 or less while running. Wondering if it's the alternator draining the battery, or if it could be the regulator...or a relay? What's the best way to troubleshoot? Thanks!
I wud start by taking the car to a place like Auto Zone, Adv. Auto and have them test the alt and chg system while the car is running. That may get u on the path of a solution.
thanks. here in CA autozone and those places only test in-store. So....I would have to start taking stuff out. Thanks.
A low voltage while running means that your alternator is not charging. This could be caused by a bad alternator, a bad voltage regulator or faulty wiring. Read this to familiarize yourself with the system: http://1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/engine_repair_02.html Here is how you test your regulator: http://1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/regulatortest.html Be sure to check the positive charging wire from the alternator and also the engine grounding wire.
The older style voltage regulators were notorious for this, both draining the battery and low charging voltage. Install a new regulator and see if that cures the problem.
Check the fusible links that attach to the battery cable side of the starter solenoid. One of these is for the alternator. An easy check is to see if you have 12V at the battery terminal of the alternator, with the engine off.
