QuestionI have a '97 Eclipse with an electrical problem that started around Christmas. The vehicle sat unused during my son's two week Christmas break. After the break, the vehicle would not turn over and there was no power to any accessories. The vehicle was jumpstarted and the battery was tested and found to be defective. The battery was replaced, however, the problem still persists. The new battery was checked and found to be in good order. The alternator was also checked and found to be functioning properly.
The vehicle runs fine during the week when my son drives it. However, if it sits over the weekend without being started, it needs to be jumped before it will turn over. It then runs fine during the week, but if it sits for more than 24 hours, it needs to be jumped.
I have checked the obvious to see if the interior lights are staying on etc. What advice can you offer me to begin the tedious job of tracking down what is draining the battery. My son has mentioned that over the past couple of months, the remote door lock key fob will make a clicking noise when it is depressed but will not lock or unlock the doors. I told him I didn't think this has anything to do with it but thought I would mention it anyway.
Also, I had a new Kenwood stereo and Rockford Fostgage amp installed in the vehicle in October, 2 months before this situation stareted. However, I have since disconnected the amp to eliminate it from being a power drain. The problem persists with the amp disconnected.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
Glenn Siron
Yakima, Washington
siron@charter.net
AnswerGlenn,
Battery shorts are very difficult to locate. There is a good chance that there may be a loose or fraid wire somewhere still in the audio system. Though your amp was disconnected, it is possible there is still a short somewhere. Unfortutely, the only way to really check to find the battery drain is from the tedious task of checking various grounding points with a voltmeter. In the interim, you can simply disconnect the negative battery cable if the car is going to sit for more than a couple days. You're probably correct in assuming that the remote door lock issue has nothting to do with this.
I wish I could have been more help. Battery shorts are a big pain to diagnose. I'd recommend getting the car as close as you can back to the stock audio set up and go from there. If the battery still drains after the stock setup is connected again, then at least you can rule out the stereo 100%. Check all relays and fuses to make sure none have melted, and caused shorts that manner.
Good luck!
