GMC Repair: electrical problem, light fuse, amp meter

Question
1996 gmc jimmy.   I HAVE 2 PROBLEM ACCTUALLY.  BUT BOTH INCLUDE THE BATTERY EITHER NOT CHARGING OR MULTIPUL SHORTS.   MY CHARGING INDICATOR ONLY CHARGES AT TEN VOLTS.  AT ONE TIME THE METER WAS FLUCTUATING 2-3 VOLTS.  I CHECKED THE ALTERNATOR AT AUTO ZONE AND IT IS OK.   ALSO THE BATTERY DISCHARGES QUICKER UNLESS I PULL OUT THE INTERIOR LIGHT FUSE.   OF COURSE AFTER I PULL THIS FUSE MY BATTERY DISCHARGES BUT NOT AS FAST.  I FEEL THER MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY CHARGING SYSTEM. IS THERE A VOLTAGE REGULATOR SOMEWHERE?
PS.  I HAVE ANOTHER 1996 THAT I HAVE INTERCHANGED PARTS.  WHAT ELSE CAN I CHANGE. ALSO I AM A DECENT ELECTRONICS TECH.  OR MABEY I AM NOT.  BUT I DO HAVE A DEGREE THAT SAYS SO..HELP.

Answer
OK,

Did you install an AMP meter between the battery pos and the battery cable ?. Maximum amperage draw on a vehicle that has set for a few hours is 0.50 amps. ANYTHING OVER 0.75 amps is NOT acceptable.

With the amp meter in place and IF it is indicating in excess of the above maximum output start pulling fuses until you isolate the circuit that is drawin g the amperage from the battery.

Once you isolate the circuit that is causing the excessive draw, see WHAT components do NOT work with this particular fuse removed.


let me know.


autohelp
meperganfortis@msn.com