Battery drain help please

[ryanprins13]

see post 11

I saw that, thats why im asking. A multimeter set to what? Volts? Ohms? How do you read it?

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[Studebaker]

Set the meter to amps. make sure leads are in the right holes. Amps is the least used of the meter. May have to search youtube to see how its done.

[Studebaker]

How to read it? If you have any movement than you have a draw. No movement no draw.

[1990new]

I saw that, thats why im asking. A multimeter set to what? Volts? Ohms? How do you read it?

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Maybe see post 12... Here it is again: http://testmeterpro.com/parasitic-dr...-a-multimeter/

My free Harbor Freight mulimeter can handle up to 10Amps if you plug the red wire into the 10ADC hole and set the rotary switch to 10A.

[ryanprins13]

Sorry, didnt know affordable multimeters that measured dc amps existed, only ac amps. I cant say i have ever seen one in a store. And yes, i have looked locally. How did you end up with a free one?

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[1990new]

Sorry, didnt know affordable multimeters that measured dc amps existed, only ac amps. I cant say i have ever seen one in a store. And yes, i have looked locally. How did you end up with a free one?

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There are free coupons for them all over the place. Free if you buy something else. I think I have at least 4 of them so I'm not really worried if I fry one.
Just do a google search Harbor Freight and Free Multimeter

They seem to work for things like this just as well as the more expensive ones.

[Outcast13]

Ok pulled all the fuses and did every connection on the car still have a draw. Any one know here else to check? When I pulled all the fuses one by one it said 12 amps still. I'm now lost on what to check. Is there any other fuses I should check?

[w4rkry]

The Fusible links in the Engine bay maybe?

[bravekozak]

Disconnect the alternator.
Then fusible links.
Good luck.
Shorts to ground are viscious.
Also check places wires would break due to movement.
Pull back the rubber boot at the body to hatch. Also, check the wiring to both doors (if equipped with power mirrors or auto seat belts) between the door and the body. Look for frayed or broken wires.

If still no luck, start undoing ground connections, on body under rear hatch, under dash, etc. check after each one. Clean and reconnect if not the problem.

[WmWatt]

You mentioned a couple things you suspect might be the cause of the problem. I think one was the radio. Disonnect all of them and see if that cures the problem. If so reconnect one at a time to see which one is the cause.

[Dragonhealer]

There is a rare alternator failure that took me forever to figure out, and it is probably not your problem. The interesting part is the alternator drain goes away if you disconnect the battery momentarily and reconnect the drain is gone till the next time you restart and shut off the engine. The test for this drain uses a test light and 3 hands. With the engine just shut off and any parasitic draws disconnected (after market stereo, clock etc) clamp the lead of the test light to the negative battery cable end and hold the probe to the middle of the negative post while a helper carefully removes the terminal from the post. If the light lights, remove the probe. Then put the probe back on the negative post ( battery terminal still off of the post). If it does not relight, then you may have this rare alternator failure

[FestYboy]

12 amps is huge. Like headlights on huge...

[Dragonhealer]

12 amps is huge. Like headlights on huge...

Figured that for a typo. But if true, just what in a Festiva could draw that kind of current and not let the smoke out?

[FestYboy]

Locked up rad fan? Or a combo of issues.

[Outcast13]

Ok took off the train horn for now. So my next thing is start checking grounds and check the radio. But the radio has no power when speed demon is off. So I have it disconnected for now. When I get home I'll try and start the car. Thanks for all the help really appreciated. I'll let you know what goes on.