Battery draw/going dead over night

Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 1967 CHEVROLET NOVA
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Hi, the battery goes dead over night if I pull the dome/brake light fuse there is no draw but every other fuse shows a draw of some sort. I'm trying to help a friend the car is a mess wiring wise. I don't know if someone tapped into a circuit causing this problem. It does have a fused wire for the amp fused to the battery (not my doing} I personalty think the fuse box/electrical system is being overloaded by all the accessories and should be upgraded. Any thoughts besides tracing every wire with a eyelet or aftermarket connector? It's one of those why did you mess with it if you didn't have a clue what you were doing. Any help is appreciated I did disconnect the alternator no change. It's has to be a big short sparks hard when trying to connect the battery. Am I overlooking something without taking apart and tracing each wire? Have a great day. Neil
Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 1:35 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I attached a guide for you to check the draw on the battery for going dead. Make sure the battery is charged when you do this test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Roy
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+1
Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
I added a quick photo of the horn relay wires some look to be factory if you look at the hold down screw it has ground wires going to it. I mention it because it's on a painted surface although no the reason for the short still not good though I explained to my friend theses cars need good grounds. Thanks Roy
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 11:47 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Did you find the drain?

Roy
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 1:53 AM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Not yet I'm not at the car I had back surgery so the getting under dash work is being done by my friend. I only showed that picture because after the draw is found we need to put the grounds on a non painted surface. I will get back to you if I find something I don't understand. It's a simple car the only added feature is an amp and radio witch someone hard wired to the battery fused. I am going to disconnect all after market accessories and go from there. As always thanks for your help! If you were with me I'd buy you breakfast. Have a great day Roy.
Neil
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 4:00 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Keep me updated.

Roy
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 4:46 AM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Hi Roy as I thought it was the amp. I have seen amps wired directly to the battery before, shouldn't there be a separate on off switch? Why does the amp get power hard wired to the battery vs fuse box? Is it hooked up wrong? Thanks have a great day and try to relax for the weekend.
Neil
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 4:00 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Let us back up.

Did you do the draw test measuring amp draw not voltage?

Roy
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 4:37 AM

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