QuestionErik, I believe I've already posed part of this to you before. My 86 Aerostar stalling out at stops, and then the problem clearing up. But last week it got much worse and i cannot drive: now although the engine starts right up, it stalls out immediately if the revs are below 2000(estimate). The day it got worse,I parked, and next morning the battery was drained. I put in a fully charged spare, and engine started right up, still had bad stall problem(predictable), but just maybe 4hrs. later the fresh battery was drained! Don't know if this is coincidental with the stall problem. How would I search for the source of the drain? Also, I have a code reader: do you think i could get any valid info if i attach it to a cold engine, not running, with the ignition on run? I installed a new TFI module with no improvement, and cleaned and checked my EGR valve. Could a malfunctioning alternator be a possible source of such a severe drain? Sorry for so many questions: I'm at my wit's end, It's freezing out side, and I'm missing work. Any help would be deeply appreciated.
AnswerHello and thanks for the question... I'll try to help.
Yes, I remember your telling me of your problems.
Yes, the alternator could be the source of the drainage. To check it you'll need -another freshly charged battery, and an AMP meter. --Disconnect the negative side of the battery and put the AMP meter in between the post and the the battery cable. Have it set to 10 or 20 AMPS. and note the reading. Then start pulling fuses. When the AMPS drop to 0(zero) or close to it--you've found the cauuse or at least what circuit it's on. Then you can narrow it down from there.
As far as your scanner goes.........once the battery dies, or is disconnected.....the memory of the computer is erased. The only thing that it will tell you------is -------what's wrong right at that moment, it will not have a history of codes for you to look at and compare.
Hope this helps,
Erik
