Chasing electric drains/shorts

I have a new issue that has developed on my 95. There appears to be some perpetual drain on the electric system. If I leave the car idle for more than 1 day, the car is completely dead and needs to be jump started.

In the past year I have purchased a new battery (Jan 04) and put in a new alternator (June 04). When running, the car is charging fine. Generally at about 15.3.
In the last month, I had by fuel rail changed by the dealer.

Is there a good way to begin chasing the cause of my dead car? Any other possible causes?

First, determine that you have a good battery. If you have done so, please read on. You can use a standard volt/amp meter. Be sure to have the leads connected between the positive terminal and and positive cable. This will enable you to read current drain with the systems de-energized. Be sure to have everything turned off, all lights, radio, engine off, key out of the ignition. If you have a current drain as low as .1 amp, this is enough to eventually cause the condition you have described. With the meter connected, systematically go through each fuse box and remove a fuse one at a time (and reinstall after reading meter). This will allow you to identify which system has the drain. Happy hunting.

You can use a standard volt/amp meter. Be sure to have the leads connected between the positive terminal and and positive cable. ...... With the meter connected, systematically go through each fuse box and remove a fuse one at a time (and reinstall after reading meter).

Roraman,

Thanks for the tip, but I'm a rookie with a voltmeter.

Follow up question. The meter has two wire/probes, a + and -. Am I putting the meter probes into the fuses ? Where would the negative lead on the meter be connected? Is it to the batery?

You state to have leads connected between the + terminal and + cable. Can you elaborate?

Thanks

Roraman,

Thanks for the tip, but I'm a rookie with a voltmeter.

For the electrically challenged or Amish, a good place to learn about circuits before you fry something.
http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Electricity/seriescircuit.htm

RD

Is your antenna functioning correctly?
If it can't go down all the way then it'll drain the battery trying to put itself back down.

Sorry guys, I sometimes assume a lot. Also, a good point about the antenna. All little motors (power antenna, seat belt retractors, etc.)remaining energized after securing the vehicle will cause this.

Is your antenna functioning correctly?
If it can't go down all the way then it'll drain the battery trying to put itself back down.

My antenna has been acting up. Sometimes it gets stuck (up or down). Although I generally can hear the motor running, I'll have to look at it closer.

I read the electric basics and already had a general understanding of them, but some of the tools and testing is what gives me trouble.

I can test for resistance, it is just the steps for see a continuous drain still a bit vague.