1998 Chevy Cavalier battery draining and dying

1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
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VOLDALIN
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Electrical problem
1998 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 100k miles

I have replaced the battery with a new one. when connected, it drains and dies. car will not start. is it the alternator, sylanoid, or starter, and how do I test it to figure this out?? (limited funds)
Feb 21, 2009 at 8:43 PM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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[quote:444d5f2ba4="voldalin"]Electrical problem
1998 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 100k miles

I have replaced the battery with a new one. when connected, it drains and dies. car will not start. is it the alternator, sylanoid, or starter, and how do I test it to figure this out?? (limited funds)[/quote:444d5f2ba4]


Hello,

Ok, do you have a test light? If so here is what you can do to determine the curcuit the drain is on.

First disconnect the negative cable. Connect the test light between the cable and the terminal. The light should come on as you connect it. Then just start pulling fuses ONE AT A TIME and replace them checking light each time you remove a fuse. Once the light turns off you have found the curcuit causing the drain. Post finding here in forum for farther assistance.

.
Feb 21, 2009 at 8:52 PM
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