Something is draining the battery overnight?

BIGMIKEM

MEMBER
1996 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I recently been trying to start my truck and it doesn't have any juice left at all not even to turn on dome light. I had the battery replaced and alternator and will doing so I noticed the belt tensioner was bad so I replaced that too. Once I jump it I have to give it gas for a couple of minutes if I don't it will turn off. After that it will run and start up all day fine unless left off for more then 4 hour then same problem. I have a stereo system in it but I have disconnected it and still have same results. I make sure every light is off and button every night but same problem how can I find what is draining the battery at night.

Friday, July 9th, 2010 AT 10:00 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you could have excessive parasitic draw (current drain) on your battery.
Every electrical circuit with a battery will have parasitic draw, however when that draw becomes excessive it will drain the battery faster. It can happen due to a light staying on like a glove box light or could be for a short in one of the electrical components like a window switch etc.

Here is a helpful video of how to find the parasitic draw:

https://youtu.be/z5F7WpgjaRs

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

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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Friday, September 3rd, 2021 AT 11:44 AM