Pontiac Repair: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am electrical, negative battery cable, fuse boxes

Question
My daughters car has a problem starting for many months. She has taken it to many places. They have removed the auto start/security system she has had for three years. They said it drain the battery. They have put three new batteries in the car. Within a few days the car needs to be jumped. I don't know what other test they ran. After months of testing my daughter gave up. I think it is a short. What Is the best way to test for this.

Answer
Hi Vernon:

I'm sure it is a short/draw that's killing the batteries. If there is any other aftermarket accessories on this car have them removed as well. then start with the base car and look at that a a whole. There is a test that can be run it's called a parasitic draw test. basicallt what it is is a digital volt ohm meter is hooke up in sereise with the negative battery cable and then the car is left to sit for about 30 minutes or so. The draw left in the car should be as a general rule less than 25 Milliamps. Any more and that is considered a draw. The way you find the draw is by pulling the fuses 1 by 1 out of the fuse boxes (3) on this car untill the draw drops below 25 miliamps. When you find that fuse see what it powers up and go from there once you narrow it down. One thing that is often overlooked as well and can be a potential draw is the alternator. that is no real fuse for that it has to be unhooked from the car. The Big red wire on the back of the alternator will isolate it from battery voltage. Good luck :)