Car in question is a '97 Civic Lx Sedan. No serious mods, (AEM cai, and aftermarket stereo head unit). Problem we are running into is there is a constant 8-9volt drain on battery even with key shut off. Have run through electrical system, pulled underdash fuses checking Fluke meter everytime, and still cannot locate system drain. Any help, advice, experience would be much appreciated.


[Modified by kaosbob, 11:35 PM 10/30/2002]

 

What about the underhood fuses? First I find the circuit it is on and go from there. I pay extra attention to any aftermarket electrical devices. BTW a current drain is usually measured in amps. More than 50 mA is too much.


[Modified by Chiovnidca, 8:13 PM 10/30/2002]

 

how would you check to asee if the battery has a load when not on?

 

What about obvious things that you would overlook, like a cell phone car charger that's always plugged in that's defective, or a penny in the cig lighter. or a short in the dome light.

 

The meter has to be connected in series between the ground cable and the battery. Leave the key off. If you activate any circuit (dome light) it will cause a load and possibly blow the fuse so start with the highest amp setting you have and be carfeul not to turn anything on. When you see the current draw, start pulling fuse to find the circuit that it gets power from. If you still can't find anything, I would check continuity between b+ wires and ign pwr wires under dash.

 

 

We've already done all that. Pulled all the underhood/underdash fuses and checked for it all. He does have a phone charger, but we unplugged that and still have a drain. The only time the drain stops is when we pull the 80Amp battery underhood fuse.


[Modified by kaosbob, 3:47 PM 10/31/2002]

 

I don't know if you checked this, but I have seen the trunk light stay on with the trunk closed. Also , pull the fuse out of all stereo equipment, amps, etc.