Electrical diagnosis please

[mudrunner80]

I have an 88 Scottsdale, 350 1/2 ton 4x4.
I have something drawing power constantly and killing my battery and have no clue where to start. I remember reading a post quite a few months back with a similar problem but can't find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

[ricebike]

10. WHAT IS PARASITIC LOAD?

Parasitic (key off) is the cumulative load produced by electrical devices,
e.g., clocks, computers, alarms, etc., that operate after the engine is
stopped. Parasitic loads typically run 20 to 120 milliamps. To test the
parasitic load an amp meter must be inserted in series with either the
positive or negative battery terminal and it's cable without the engine
running. If the parasitic load is prematurely discharging your battery,
start removing fuses one-at-a-time until the offending electrical
component is identified. Leaving your headlights on will generally
discharge a fully charged battery (with 90 minutes of Reserve Capacity)
in two to six hours.

so you ruled out that your battery and alternator are in good working order?

[mudrunner80]

yes. Its a brand new battery 3 days old and the alt was just recently tested. I put a test light on the neg. terminal and theres no light so somethings gotta be draining the battery

[ricebike]

hmm, i dunno if a multimeter placed between the battery post & the battery cable (in series) would be a better measure for a parasitic load... since it's in milli-amps

try it that way instead of a test light & start pulling/replacing a fuse at a time until you see a change in the milli-amp reading...

may be a door switch too, from what i've read <shrugs> good luck

[mudrunner80]

Problem solved.

My negative cable had a bad ground and my alternator was weak. Thanks for the replies though