Battery drains

2003 FORD F-150
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BIGFISH04
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V8 four wheel drive automatic 178,252 miles.

I had the battery and alternator replaced and it still drains. I took it to Ace Auto electric i Winnipeg, Manitoba, and they came up with nothing. Are there any tips?

Thanks,

Darrell
Aug 17, 2010 at 9:24 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 20,760 POSTS
Is this draining when it is parked and not being used or when it is being used?
Aug 17, 2010 at 9:28 AM
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BIGFISH04
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when it is parked.
Aug 17, 2010 at 9:30 AM
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BIGFISH04
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it drains overnight.
Aug 17, 2010 at 9:31 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 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 ten minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50 ma 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.
Aug 17, 2010 at 9:41 AM
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COOLHANDSBOB
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Hi, i tried this means of trouble shooting and pulled on fuse at a time. i did find a slight problem, but now my truck will not drive right and i got multiple error codes . Any thing i might have done to cause this problem?
Oct 27, 2016 at 12:31 AM
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