Draining batteries

1992 CHEVROLET CAMARO
74,000 MILES • 3.1L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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COLLIER099
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
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?
May 25, 2018 at 12:56 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 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
May 25, 2018 at 1:46 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. Even though everything is turned off, something is draining the battery over night. I am surprised the mechanic keeps replacing the battery for this issue. Anyway, here are directions to help find an electrical draw:

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

Read through these directions and follow them to see if you can locate the component causing the battery to drain.

If you have additional questions, let me know. Also, let me know if you find it.

Take care,
Joe
May 25, 2018 at 1:46 PM
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