Battery Drains

[Olona]

86 TBird drains battery. New battery, new alternator, battery continues to drain. Anyone have an idea?

[97Bird]

You have something that is staying on all of the time. A trunk light or hood light staying on are good possiblilities. With the key off connect an ammeter between the positive cable and the positive battery terminal to check for current draw. While watching the meter, remove fuses one at a time until you find the circuit that is drawing current.

[Olona]

Originally Posted by 97Bird

You have something that is staying on all of the time. A trunk light or hood light staying on are good possiblilities. With the key off connect an ammeter between the positive cable and the positive battery terminal to check for current draw. While watching the meter, remove fuses one at a time until you find the circuit that is drawing current.

I assum you remove the positive batt cable to do this test? Also thank you very much, I never thought of that, that is brilliant.

[97Bird]

Remove the negative cable FIRST and then the positive cable (to prevent sparks!) then connect the ammeter neg (common) lead to the positive cable and the ammeter positve lead to the battery positive terminal. After that, reconnect the negative cable to the battery and check the current.

[Olona]

Thank you so much have a good weekend.

[97Bird]

You're welcome and good luck!