Will not start, battery new keeps draining car sitting?

Good morning, SMOORE2318,

Starting it every few months may not be enough to keep the battery charged. My truck sits currently, and I start it every couple weeks, let it get up to operating temperature and shut it off. This way the battery will get a good charge every couple of weeks.

Here are a couple things you can look at to try and find out if something is draining the battery.

You will need a multimeter and a test light. I have added images of both for you.

I found these for you if you don't have them. They are pretty inexpensive.

Multimeter:
https://www.amazon.com/Neoteck-Multimeter-Multimeters-Resistance-Transistor/dp/B01NAVAT9S/ref=asc_df_B01NAVAT9S?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80882879268668&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584482455699132&psc=1

Test light:
https://www.amazon.com/JASTIND-Automotive-Extended-Replacement-Indicator/dp/B07Q3622FT/ref=asc_df_B07Q3622FT?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79920806880888&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520385693266&psc=1

First start with the multimeter on the battery. Put meter on Volts DC (I have added an image of what the symbol looks like) and check the voltage on the battery. If the battery is properly charged you should see 12 volts. If not recharge the battery before moving on.

Once battery voltage is restored or confirmed, take the test light and touch the clip to negative and probe end to positive on the battery to make sure the test light works properly.

Then you will remove the negative battery cable and clip test light to it and touch the probe end to the negative terminal on the battery. If the light illuminates something is drawing power.

Next step is to leave the test light connected and pull fuses out one by one until the light shuts off. This will tell you which circuit is causing what is called a parasitic draw. Something is staying on and killing the battery. I would start with the radio fuse like your husband suggested. A bad radio installation is a common cause of this issue. A security system is another likely cause.

If the light didn't illuminate when connected between the battery negative terminal and the negative cable, then I would check the fuses using the test light.

Here are the instructions for doing this test:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If needed here are some instructions on how to use a test light and a multimeter:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Here is a link to a similar vehicle with a similar issue I am adding just for some extra information for you:
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1994-mercedes-benz-500sl-sl500-will-start-there-fuse-that-controls-ignition-l

I am also adding fuse box locations and diagrams for you.

Hope this helps.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello SMOORE2318,

Sounds good and you're welcome happy to help.

You have a great day as well.

Thank you,
Brendon