Battery Discharge problem

[INF3RN0666]

Hi,

A friend's '95 buick regal has an electrical system issue. The car won't start without a boost or without recharing the batter. We tested the alternator and it's producing a constant 14.5V charge. If you charge the battery and leave it on the side, it seems fine. But, if you charge it and connect it to the car (even without attempting to start the car), it discharges within minutes. If you start the car and let it idle, it will turn off in minutes. When the car is on, there's a clicking sound and the internal lights flicker from time to time. Sometimes, the windows won't roll down.

I am assuming there's a short in the circuit or there's a busted relay? I have no idea. What's your expert take on this matter?

Thank you for your time and help,
I K

[MagicRat]

I would suggest first test the battery to make sure it can hold a charge and does not have an internal short.
A decent auto parts place can do this.

IMHO the problem likely lies within your starter motor and /or solenoid. There are no other circuits on the car that can suck up enough power to kill a battery in munutes without producing an obviously overheated wiring harness

If the battery is good, try this:
Install the battery. Connect the positive terminal, but leave the negative terminal off. Hook a test light from the negative terminal on the battery to the negative wire for the car. If it lights up, then there is a short. Then try isloating certain electrical compnents such as the alternator, starter motor etc by disconnecting their power wires.
If the test light goes out, then you have isolated the short.