Hey guys, for job reasons my 2007 MT GT has been in storage at the in-laws for some time. They drive it about once a week to keep it fresh and in doing so noticed that the battery kept dying. I got it replaced and found that even the new battery was always draining. Pulling a cable from the terminal when its parked keeps it operating. Obviously there's no easily recognizable problems like a light stuck on. I do have an audio link iPod adapter that has been misbehaving lately- basically charging the phone but not playing through the stereo. So with that in mind- any ideas? Common short circuits? Anyone know a good plan of attack? Thanks.

 

i'd be tempted to start with the iphone thing, or any other aftermarket stuff, like an alarm, etc.

you should also make sure the trunk light is off with it closed.

after that its just a matter of getting a volt/ohm/amp meter and measuring the amp draw between the car and the battery while you pull fuses/relays until you find the circuit that is the problem.

 

+1

Electrical draws can be complet PIA. Time, patience and a good multimeter are your best friends. Pull the cable on the alternator too and check draw. I had a car that had me stumped for three days, ended up being the darn alternator.

 

Pull the center console in the rear, stick your head in to see if the trunk light is still on.

Start with the adapter first.

 

Trunk light is a good one...............look through the passthrough as suggested.

Then make sure all of you tail lights and brake lights are actually working. I've heard of one being out(but shorted) and caused the drain.

Then go after the ipod adapter

Have you had the alternator checked out? I know you said you pulled a cable and car still ran, but that doesn't really check it out fully. Autozone or somewhere will do it for free usually, just make sure they test it correctly and not just try to sell you an alternator.

A multimeter would really help................if I remember the dark current(or off current) is 50mA or less. I'll have to go look it up.

 

Yep.......20-50mA.

While I was searching for "dark current", I ran across two posts...........
1.) The Bose amp was staying on.
2.) Nav system malfunction was causing it.

 

well it does take time and patience, but you do have a logical process to follow, so its actually pretty easy, narrow the draw to a circuit, and then you look at the circuit, piece of cake.

on a tedium level, its maybe a 6-7, on a skill level its like a 2-3

 

hint: the markers won't flash when you remote lock the car if the trunk is ajar.