Battery drain/connection issue?

Tiny
ESAMPSONITE1324
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • 4.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 58,000 MILES
I have the car listed above with low mileage and it’s having some major battery issues. Every once in a while, in random spurts, it’ll start rapidly losing charge and I have to plug it in. I have taken it to a mechanic who said it’s a battery drain issue that happens on older cars and was unable to diagnose the cause. All summer it was completely fine without any issues. Recently however, the battery has been draining again, even to the degree of ruining the battery. The issue I am currently having is an odd one. Today, I went to start my car when I found out that it was dead. I got a friend to help me out and we hooked up jumper cables to the car and let his car run a bit to try and charge the presumably dead battery. After a bit I noticed the door lights of the car starting to come on. I turned the ignition in the car to try and get it to turn over. As I turned the key, it seemed to try and turn over, but as I did this, the dash lights flickered along with the engine as is sputtered. I’ve never really had too much experience jumping cars, so I don’t know if this is normal. Anyway, I eventually got the cars started by applying some gas. I let it run a bit as I say in the driver's seat, but when I opened the door, the whole thing quit, and I could get it to turn over again. I took the battery out of the car and brought it home only to find out that the battery was at 95 percent. I don’t know if this is a short or something of that nature? The cables were securely connected to the battery so that was not the issue. What do you guys think?
Monday, September 25th, 2023 AT 6:45 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

That is an interesting one. How did you check the battery when you got it home? Also, if you have an alternator that isn't properly charging, this can happen as well. If the battery gets weak enough from not being charged, any additional electrical draw can cause the engine to stall or other electronics to act oddly.

Next, if possible, reinstall the battery and check the alternator's output. All you need is a voltmeter or multimeter. Follow the directions in this link. I need to know if the alternator is doing its job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If the alternator output is normal, do this. Make sure the battery is fully charged and install it in the vehicle, but don't attach the negative battery cable. Place a multimeter or voltmeter between the negative cable and the battery's negative terminal. (red to battery cable and black to terminal).

With everything off, you should see between 50 to 75 milliamps draw which is normal. If it goes above that, then remove one fuse at a time in the under-hood fuse box to see which one stops the draw. That way, you have narrowed it down to a circuit.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

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

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
ESAMPSONITE1324
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello,

Thanks for the info! I am planning on testing the alternator to see if it’s having issues. But I think the main issue is probably the battery connections. The previous owner put two different bolts on the battery cable to attach them to the battery terminals, and it slowly comes loose over time I have noticed. I will replace these to see if it helps. Thanks for the help!
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. It's funny. I remember my first shop teacher indicating that anytime there is an electrical issue, start at the source (the battery). So, I'm interested in knowing if that resolves the issue.

Take care,

joe
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 5:48 PM

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