Toyota Repair: Excessive Battery Drain, battery drain, dome light

Question
I've just been told that I apparently have a short in my 1997 4runner factory installed alarm system. The battery was completely drained; no relay chatter, dome light or door locking/unlocking function - completely and totally dead, when I attempted to start the car this morning. Everything was fine last night and the battery is only a few months old. Any idea what the specific problem might be and if so, is this something I can fix or disconnect to avoid placing a charger on the battery every night? Thanks - JL.

Answer
I have seen aftermarket alarm system cause the battery to drain but not the factory system. Do you have a DVOM that can read amps? If so I can show you how to check for current draw on the battery. In the meantime make sure all lights are off, check the brake lights, tail lights and the interior lights as well.