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Battery constantly draining

Tiny
WILLIAMMELLO
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FREESTAR
Six cylinder front wheel drive automatic.

Ran multiple system checks. The battery is constantly draining even when the key is off. The driver's side console lights do not work. Alternator charges above 14 volts when running. However, I have heard that in this particular vehicle it is common for the alternator to draw from the battery when the engine is off due to a faulty diode or something else in the alternator. Please tell me what the problem could be?
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Sunday, May 30th, 2010 AT 5:07 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The alternator causing the problem is rare. It sounds more like you have a CD stuck in the player or a mirror and seat switch is stuck. Here is a guide to help you see what the problem is:

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers
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Sunday, May 30th, 2010 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
DRAVEN482
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had this problem and it was the alternator! Lol. I get the good ones. :)
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
JOYOUS6
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2005 FORD FREESTAR
When I turn the light switch off on my van, the headlamps wont go off. I turn it to parking lights and normal lights it works fine. I cannot turn off lights so I have to unplug battery because it will drain my battery leaving it on.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
You will need to check the dimmer on the steering column. You will need to unplug it and see if the lights go off.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOYOUS6
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is there a fuse to pull? I turned the dimmer on and off. Just confused how dimmer has to do with my headlights? Are they on the same relay?
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
The power runs through the headlamps switch to the dimmer switch then out to the headlights. You said the lights are staying on but when you push it to parking it works correctly. So that means the lights go off am I my right? If this is true you will need to remove the headlight switch and disconnect it to see if the lights go off. This problem would be in the headlight switch.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOYOUS6
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you! Now, do I get to the dimmer by pulling off the dimmer light plate? Which looks like the part is held in by a star shaped tool. Love the car lingo. Lol
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
1STONTARIO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2005 FORD FREESTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,400 MILES
Battery and alternator are good. There is a draw on the battery of 5.7 amps. Can you narrow issues without having to do a continuity test on all the circuits?
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Disconnect alt. B+ connection see if draw goes away. How are you determining draw?
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Are the lights turning off when headlight switch is in the parking light position? This is what you stated earlier. The dimmer switch is on the steering column. Remove the lower panel. When you move the dimmer switch back and forth you will see a linkage that moves with it going to a switch on the left side of the steering column.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
1STONTARIO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will give that a try. We used a battery tester for the battery and alternator.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
1STONTARIO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The alternator is fine. Now the DRL's do not work? Could it be the headlight switch that is faulty? How do you check?
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAPANDTRADEHELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD FREESTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 134,000 MILES
New battery in van, and door open light will not shut off. The battery will not stay charged.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Get the alternator load tested and for this ( door open light ). Could be the one draining the battery get it fix.
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NORMAN HETZELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 FORD FREESTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
Battery drains when van is off?
What is the usual culprit?
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do the batttery drain test:
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Thursday, May 17th, 2018 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)

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