battery doesn't keep charge
jmdcool76
07-01-2004, 09:15 PM
i have a new starter and alternator in my 85 fiero gt but i have to disconnect the positive cable from my battery because something is draining my battery and i have to jump start it if i leave the positive connects can anyone help? much appreciated
Ragtop_Renegade
07-01-2004, 11:56 PM
Depending on the age of the battery, it may be worn out and losing a charge on it's own. If it's over 3 years old it might be a good idea to replace it.
On the other side of the coin, a phantom power drain is very VERY difficult to diagnose on any car. The first thing to check is the lighting system. Check for dome light door switches and decklid/hood light switches (if equipted) that are stuck on. If you're lucky enough to own a digital multimeter, backprobes and a test light, you can find flowcharts to troubleshoot power drains in a factory repair manual, but be warned thease books cost a few hundered dollars and on older cars like the Fiero are difficult to locate.
If you don't see anything obvious, it might mean turning over the job to a Pontiac dealer or other professionals with the resources to systematically troubleshoot the electrical system.
Hopefully it's just a bad battery :)
On the other side of the coin, a phantom power drain is very VERY difficult to diagnose on any car. The first thing to check is the lighting system. Check for dome light door switches and decklid/hood light switches (if equipted) that are stuck on. If you're lucky enough to own a digital multimeter, backprobes and a test light, you can find flowcharts to troubleshoot power drains in a factory repair manual, but be warned thease books cost a few hundered dollars and on older cars like the Fiero are difficult to locate.
If you don't see anything obvious, it might mean turning over the job to a Pontiac dealer or other professionals with the resources to systematically troubleshoot the electrical system.
Hopefully it's just a bad battery :)
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