1999 Chevy Lumina Something is draining the battery

TALLENDER

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA

Electrical problem
1999 Chevy Lumina 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I have tested the alternator and it is good according to AutoZone's tester. The battery is new. Something seems to be draining down the battery. I have had this problem before on a probe and I tracked it down to a bad headlight motor. I realize that I am going to have to track down the short but I was hoping to save some time by tapping into some experience. Is there any recommendations or common items related to this problem?

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Welcome to the forum. Was the alternator tested on or off the vehicle, it makes a difference? It's best to check charging system on the vehicle. That way, if there is a problem with wiring circuit to or from the alternator, it will show up.

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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 10:32 AM

TALLENDER

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It was tested off of the car.

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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 10:50 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If you have a digital multimeter, you can check the charging system on the vehicle. Make sure the battery has a full charge and the connections are good. Take a reading across the battery posts, engine off. The generic spec for a full charge is 12.6 volts. Take a second reading across battery posts, engine running, the second reading should be higher than the first, if the system is charging. If that checks out, you need to check for battery drain.

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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 11:07 AM