killing my battery

[TBNJ88Bronco]

After a few weeks my 88 Bronco started killing the battery. Any ideas? Pu t a new battery in, it was dead the next AM. It has an alarm system that I think may be part of the problem. The other issue is the key switch for the ignition was broken, and I installed a starter button.

Thanks for any help!!!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day!

Tom

 

[afrofootballman]

I had a problem a little while ago that sounds similar, the battery would drain, even when a new battery was put in. The previous owner had also had an alarm system put in, but also taken out. He had the same problem and had to replace the starter, and that ended up being the same problem that I had. So I went down to NAPA and got a new one, and it worked fine!

I don't have any idea if this is your problem too, but you never know.

 

[firelt90bronco]

Try disconnecting the alarm system and see if it does anything. Also check for other drains on the system when the vehicle isn't running.

 

[Seabronc]

The main problem is that anything can be causing the battery to drain. It could be a bad battery cell, bad alternator, a high resistnce short, a curtesy light, etc. What you need to do is start with something like Firelt90 said and continu on from there. Am easy way to check for a drain is to put a light bulb on the ground side of the battery between the (-) post and the ground lead. If it lights, you've got something draining. The brighter the light the larger the drain. There is always a minor drain caused by something like a clock, security system, etc. However, the drain from such items should be so minor that your truck could set for weeks without being started and have no problem.

Once you determine that you have a drain, systematically remove things from the battery. One location to start at is the battery side of the starter solinoid where most of the fusable links are connected. Remove one at a time untill you find out which circuit is causing the drain. Then follow that circuit out. Check wires that are next to frame members or go thru holes in the firewall, (especially if the hole is not grometed).

Good luck,

>-

 

[BLADE262US]

After you drive it for a bit park it and go back an hour or two later and touch the alternator if its hot then the regulator has stuck shut and is full fielding the alternator . Solution get a new one /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[bobstrat]

I had a problem a little while ago that sounds similar, the battery would drain, even when a new battery was put in. The previous owner had also had an alarm system put in, but also taken out. He had the same problem and had to replace the starter, and that ended up being the same problem that I had. So I went down to NAPA and got a new one, and it worked fine!

I don't have any idea if this is your problem too, but you never know.

i use to have the same problem in a 5.0 mustang

starter would **** the battery.

 

[Road Hog]

I had the same problem and it ended up being a bad alternator.

 

[jamie69]

Hi Tom,I just joined the Zone today,I am also from VERNON N.J.,as far as your battery draining you may want to check your voltage regulator.I have run into this on Fords before the electronic ones go bad with the car off they cause a draw.A quick test unhook ground cable from battery hook test light from neg. post to neg. cable and see if it lights if so you have a draw.To see if regulator is at fault remove the plug from regulator on right inner fender if light goes off that is your problem.If it stays on you will have to check the other circuits,I hope this helps if you did not fix it yet if you need help I can take a look Iam close by. Jamie

 

[Yardape]

Thats great and all but the regulator is built into the alternator on an '88.

 

[jamie69]

Hi,I was not sure what alternator set up was in his 1988 I have run into some with internal and external on the Fords some depend on the amps of the alternator.Thanks for the info,if he responds to the post I will let himknow or I can take alook at his bronco being he lives in the same town I am always glad to help someone if I can.

 

[MasterBiss]

i had a 90 with the same problem, im pretty damn good with electrical stuff, and i figured out that the fuel pump relay wasnt shutting off, i replaced it and never had another dead battery. i was told it was a semi-common thing.