1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Draining power

Tiny
JANEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
I just bought the car, and check engine light came on the first day. The next day, the battery was dead. We checked the output on the alternator, it was fine, so we replaced the battery. The check engine light is on again and we're not sure what is the problem.
Friday, December 5th, 2008 AT 12:10 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
The alt may be the problem even though it is charging the battery. Inside the alt are diodes designed to allow power to only pass in one direction. When the alt is working, the diodes will work fine, but when you shut the car, power passes the opposite direction (to ground) allowing the battery to drain.

As far as the light, have you had the computer scanned for trouble codes? Most parts stores will do it for free. I recommend having it done. That way, you will have a better understanding of the problem.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 2:59 PM

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