Re: 2005 E-150 Tractor Parts Hauler, Drains the Battery

Posted by Steve@Advance on December 14, 2023 at 19:20:04 from (99.190.215.237):

In Reply to: 2005 E-150 Tractor Parts Hauler, Drains the Battery posted by Indiana Ken on December 14, 2023 at 16:55:46:

That is a substantial drain. You want to see .050 amp (50 milliamps) or less.

There is a process to determine the final amp draw. All modern computerized vehicles have a 'time out' feature, or once the final battery connection is made, electrical events are initiated. Things start timing out, like dome lights, headlights, modules, etc. There may be a heavy amp draw during this process which may over amp a digital amp meter.

The safest and most reliable method is to remove the negative battery cable, connect the cable back to the battery post with a jumper wire. Then connect each lead of the amp meter between the cable and the battery post, along with the jumper wire. Connect it so the jumper can be removed without breaking the amp meter connection. Make sure all accessories are off, doors closed, hood light disabled, anything that can cause a battery draw is off or unplugged.

Allow the system to sit undisturbed for at least 15 minutes, then remove the jumper, allowing the current flow to pass through the amp meter leads. Be sure not to break the connection. If any doubt, reconnect the jumper and let go through the time out again.

Then start pulling fuses and relays at the under-hood fuse box, one at a time replacing each as you go. When you see the amps drop, that will be the suspect circuit. BUT! Opening and closing the circuit can restart the time out process, which can overamp the meter, be careful! Some meters are internally protected, some are not.

If none of the under-hood fuses or relays drop the load, there are other fuse blocks inside the vehicle. To access them the door switches will have to be held closed or somehow gain access without having a door open.

Another common source of battery drain is added alarm systems, remote start systems, and aftermarket sound systems. They are common failure points and sources of improper wiring practices.

Back to the alternator question, yes it can cause a draw and still work. Try unplugging and disconnecting it. That would be a good place to start. But it can be more complex than that, some alternators are controlled by the ECM. Just because unplugging it dropped the load doesn't mean the alternator is bad. Let's hope not to go there!

And then there is the battery itself. Do you have another known good battery to swap out? See if the problem goes with the battery.

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