Draining batteries

COLLIER099

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3.1L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
74,000 MILES

So I just had a new alternator an starter along with new battery. Yet my battery keeps draining. This the alternator an starter where put in less then a weeks ago. An I have been thought three batteries. I cannot afford the mechanic any more. So maybe someone here can help. Unless I disconnect my battery cable either one. And I turn my car off if they are not disconnected the car will shut off within a few minutes. I do not leave any lights on or radios playing. No doors are open. I do not know why these batteries keep draining. Can someone help?

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Hold on. You cannot drain a fully-charged battery that quickly without smoke coming out somewhere. That is like saying the municipal water tower empties out in a few minutes, but there is no busted pipe. Either those batteries are not being recharged properly or you have something else going on.

Lets start with the exact symptoms. How bright are the head lights after the engine has been off for a while? Measure the battery's voltage with an inexpensive digital voltmeter. Do that again with the engine running and tell me what you find.

I have a suspicion we are going to be looking for a bad connection in the starter system, but your measurements and any other observations will get us going the right way. In the meantime, consider looking at this article to see if it gives you any ideas:

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