Questionvan...thanx 4 the work u do on here...now here is my question...what is causing my battery to run down?..i,ve got a new one {optima} 180.00 ..ive replaced the starter..and the door bussard switch..and the cd player..and pulled alot of fuses out 1 at a time...still will drain...sometimes overnight..and sometimes it will take a week...i have also had the altnator checked..and just got it out of the shop..didn't fix it..sorry it is a 1997 chevy 1500 silverado..5.7 vortec ..i done alittle research on the digital ammeter u was talking about in a pre. question..but did not know which one to buy..ac or dc or rmx..i think..or multiple readers..ohms...so thank u 4 ur time...sorry so long..just tried to narrow it down
AnswerGet a simple 12 volt test light, disconnect one of the battery cables, and connect the test light between the battery post, and the cable you removed from it.
Close the doors, and have everything shut off.
The light will light, but should soon go out.
If it stays bright, start removing fuses till it goes out, or at least gets real dim.
The radio and clock memory will keep it on a tiny bit, but it shouldn't be bright.
There is a possibility of the trunk, glove compartment, or under hood light is staying on.
Aftermarket alarm systems can also drain the batt.
Van
