Cadillac Repair: 95 seville no start without jump, car wont start, voltage battery

Question
QUESTION: First of all, thank you for all that you do here.

My no start problem has gotten progressively worse over the past 2 months. It began once it started to get cold. I would turn the key and get nothing. Just one click and the sound of the engine about to start but only for half a second or so. At first i could leave the ignition turned to "on" and after a few minutes it would start. Over time, those 1-2 minutes turned to 5-7, then 15-20 before it would turn over and start. Now the car wont start without a jump.

I'm getting full power to everything. It has a new alternator, battery, starter, fuel pump, and fuel regulator, all replaced in the last year. About three days ago, when i went to try and start it, nothing happened like usual and then all the juice went out of the car as if the battery had been removed. it was completely dead. Right before it happened the dash was showing it had 13.5 volts of charge in the battery.

That has only happened once, but the car still wont start. Took it to  a Cadillac shop and they couldnt figure it out.

I have noticed that when i jump it and drive it, the voltage reads around 13+. After it has sat for a few hours it reads 11.8

any ideas?

Thanks

ANSWER: Hello,

Please keep in mind I am not at the car.

Some people will refer to new as junkyard replacements. I do not know what you had put in for new. Rebuilt can be junk out of the box.

You have already thown up a red flag. You stated 13.2 which is too low. If the alternator is charging properly, running you should hear it screaming and voltage at battery should be 14.2.

Battery if charging, should not drain down unless you have a parasitic draw. Easy to check. Disconnect pos cable and place test light between cable and battery. If light is on you have a draw. Remove and install the fuses. When the light goes out you found the circuit.

Your problem at this moment that needs to be checked- alternator for proper voltage. Battery needs a load test and you could have a starter issue to.

We know alt is not right.

Rob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks! To clarify the new parts i got were brand new. I took a closer look at the voltage once the car is started and can see it moving up and stopping at 14.2. While driving it, it will move down to 13.5 and then go back up to 14.2

I had the alt checked and it shows that it is fine
I also had the battery load tested and it showed fine.
I will do the light test and get back to you.

Answer
Hello,

Well, if alternator, starter and battery are good, the only other answer is a draw on the system, which would answer why the dealer could not find the problem.
My concern is who determined you needed all these other components? If the dealer did by guessing, if I were you, I would be asking why they did not check the system for a draw?

Sounds like many who replace parts on a guess. I call this chasing ghosts.

Good luck!

Rob