QuestionI have a 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 supercab with a persistent battery drain. The problem began right after I moved from warm California to the cold midwest. One chilly morning, I found the battery dead and jumped it. I ended up having to jump it every day, and decided to replace the battery with one that had higher cold cranking amps. That one drained also. At this point I took it to a repair facility and was told my power locks (after-market) were bad. They replaced the mechanism, but the problem continued. I brought it back angrily and was told, no, it must be my radio and not my locks. I unplugged the radio completely and still, the problem continued. At this point I visited another garage for a second opinion, and they could not determine the source of the drain. I replaced the battery again, just in case, since it was under warranty anyway. Problem continued. Yet another repair facility told me it was my GEM module, so I brought it to a dealership to have it replaced. After installing the GEM they recommended I replace the battery yet again. Problem continues. So now, after three garages, four electrical diagnostic tests, three batteries, a new GEM module, and countless checks by professionals with a 12-volt test light, no one can tell me why my battery is draining. Fuses are all fine. It takes about two to four hours to drain a new battery completely, so whatever it is, it's pulling a lot of voltage. I am at a loss. I have the factory CD player and no alarm system, no big power draws that I know of; I don't know what is strong enough to be doing this. Please help...I've spent several thousand dollars and no mechanic, including the dealership, has a clue.
AnswerI would like to be able to tell you what to fix. Unfortunately doing that over the internet is not a simple matter. You either have problems with the quality of people you are dealing with, or an intermittent problem that doesn't occur while it is in the shop. Personally I have never had a problem finding that much of an electrical problem, especially as you say it happens within hours. A competent tech should be able to pinpoint this problem.
In your area are there any auto shops that specialize in electrical work? Check the phone book or ask around with neighbors see if anyone knows a good shop like that. Hooking up a meter to check for a battery drain is pretty simple, it's finding the source that requires some expertise.
