Battery keeps going dead

[TinaElmerRh]

We have a 98 ford explorer and when the key is turned off, something keeps draining the battery. We know that if the radio, heat or ac is left on when the key is off they still run. When we charge the battery it is fine for a couple of days and then it will be dead again. Someone told us it may be the ignition switch. Also the air bag light is on.

[B33p3r]

Radio might keep running without key until you open a door. AC and heat should not run with key removed. I have some electrical schematics for the 98. I'll check'em out and get back to you.

[geraldcav]

Hello, did you ever find out what exactly is draining your battery? We are having the same issue with our 1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition? Has the problem been solved?

Originally Posted by TinaElmerRh

We have a 98 ford explorer and when the key is turned off, something keeps draining the battery. We know that if the radio, heat or ac is left on when the key is off they still run. When we charge the battery it is fine for a couple of days and then it will be dead again. Someone told us it may be the ignition switch. Also the air bag light is on.

[B33p3r]

You can get a test light. Remove the positive cable from your battery and connect the test light between the cable and pos battery post. If it is bright, you have a leak somewhere. If it is real dim, that is normal due to radio,clock. If it is bright, start pulling fuses 1 by 1. When you see the light go dim,that is the circuit that is causing the drain. See what is all on that circuit and give it a good going over. Personally, I would start by pulling the radio and clock fuses.

[magnariderv65]

I have a 96 Explorer limited and had the same problame with my battery. It turn out to be a bad radio amplifier. Just take out the fuse for the radio/amp. You will be without a radio until the amp is replace.

[wratkins]

the abs rear brake dash light stays on