1986 Dodge Ram voltage draw

1986 DODGE RAM
50,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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REBEL0101
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  • 1 POST
My 86 dodge ram for some reason decided to kill two new optima batteries. I have replaced the alternator and was gonna replace the voltage regulator but they didnt have one on hand and I was on my lunch. I am thinking its the voltage regulator, but if not then I have one heck of a draw from somewhere, Im thinking a short in the wireing. What do yall think??
Sep 22, 2010 at 3:49 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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  • 20,760 POSTS
There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.

You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.
Sep 22, 2010 at 3:57 AM
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