Draining battery overnight???

[jandj1999]

Have a 98 windstar w/3.8.The battery will go dead if it isn't drove everyday.Seems to have a lot of draw.Check the obvious,battery,alt etc.Any help would be appreciated.

[northern piper]

this has been discussed a lot but a couple of quick things to check. 1) center brake light, make sure all 3 bulbs are good. There is controversy how or if this causes a parasitic drain but I've found personally when 1 or 2 of these bulbs goes bad it'll drain my battery. Also, check to make sure the brake lights aren't on all the time. A bad BOO switch can cause this. 2) rear window wiper motor. Some guys have found that it has been bad and intermittently wants to wipe, can't and drains your battery. 3) how old is the battery? I'd doubt it OEM; take the van to an auto parts place and they'll likely for free check your starting/charging system. 4) any idea on the health of your alternator?

Finally, if you have a digital voltmeter you can check what sort of draw there is on your battery. Post the value and that'll give us a better idea of what's happening.