99 Suburban starting problem Please help before I roll this thing off a cliff

[rtryrktrx7]

99 Burb.
Mileage 62k

Basic problem - it won't start (requires jump)

Common resolutions I've gone through.

Loose cables - side mounts are a poor design. Tighten bolts keep an eye out on these getting loose again.

Corrosion - replace bolts.

Cable mount worn down/won't stay tight - replace battery cables.

Bad battery - Replace battery.

Possible amp draw from starter - Replace starter.

Last week is when I replaced the battery and starter. It started for a week, and began to not start again. I have no idea where to look now. There has got to be a draw on the battery some where. I've been charging it at night. When I get home I'll turn it off, and then look at the volts. In the morning before I try to start it the volts are less. WTF! The alternator shows 14 when the truck is running.

Is there something else I should check that could be causing this. Can the dealer hook this thing to a computer and determine what's killing the battery? I'm close to giving up. The wife already has. She wants a new truck, but I hate to since it's paid off, and only has 62k on it.

A side from this problem the alternator wen out a little over a year ago.

Thanks!

[rtryrktrx7]

If this works I will kick my own a$$.

I read on here some guy found out parking on a slope drained the battery because of the mercury switch under the hood. I park on a sloped driveway.

I'm not completely sold on this though, because when I pop the hood I have to open the hood about half way before the light comes on.

I'll give this a shot, but please if you have any other ideas I'm trying anything.

[2000CAYukon]

You could pull the fuse for the hood light to see if that is your problem.

This is an interesting article on testing for current drains: http://www.mightyautoparts.com/pdf/articles/tt63.pdf
You need an ammeter for their method but it could help you pinpoint the drain.

//2000CAYukon

[rtryrktrx7]

I pulled the hood lamp Wednesday after work, and so far I haven't had to charge the battery. I have a question though. This maybe normal.

When I get in the burb in the morning after sitting all night. I turn the key to accessory to see what the battery is showing. The gauge shows barely one line past red. I can start it, for like 10 seconds and kill it. Then turn the the key to accessory again, and it will read two or a little more lines past red. Is that a sign that the battery was low. Of course when I start it it reads 14. BTW, how does this gauge read? You got 9 and several lines then 14, then several lines then 19. What do the lines represent?

BTW, thanks for the link, I've got a meter, so I just might try that next.

Thanks!

[2000CAYukon]

The gauge in the dash may not be that accurate until it warms up. Even then it might not be that accurate. I would put a meter directly on the battery to see what the voltage is after it sits overnight.

You could also leave the fuse out for a while and see if things are working properly.

//2000CAYukon

[Tuffdrvr88]

When you start the car the alternator automatically starts refilling the battery's juice which you used to start the car, after the battery is full you are running on A/C current. Did you have the alternator tested? If it is stuck open the alternator can drain your battery over night easily. Let us know.