my battery keeps draining?

1999 FORD MUSTANG
129,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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VINNIE2115
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When I get up in the morning to go start my car to get to work it is always drained. I have to jump it off to be able to start it while jumped off it runs fine until I turn it off for so long. I checked for a battery drain and there is nothing draining it, yet it still drains.
Apr 5, 2023 at 11:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

If there is no draw on the battery, chances are it is just worn out and loses charge overnight.

How did you determine there was no parasitic draw on the battery? If you know the battery should be good, then something is draining it. It isn't uncommon for things like a glove box lamp, trunk lamp, or things you don't look at often to stick on without you knowing.

Do me a favor. Before I suggest having the battery load tested, take a look at this link and let me know your thoughts. I realize it may seem very basic, but these things can cause the issue you are having.

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

Let me know if you have already done this and if you have already had the battery load tested.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe

Apr 5, 2023 at 1:58 PM
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VINNIE2115
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I used a multi meter with one end on the negative post and the part that goes on it and there was literally 0.00 draw so I have no ideas of why it could be I went all through the car unplugged almost everything checked all the fuses and yet it still shut off the next day. I went to a part store, and they checked the battery, and it passed as good, so I’m stuck.
Apr 6, 2023 at 1:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

You should see some sort of draw on the battery. As you know every circuit with a battery will have a parasitic draw. The ideal draw with the key off should be around 25 milliamps. When you checked, did you have the multimeter set on milliamps?

In order to find the excessive parasitic draw, you will have to use a multimeter and go through the fuse panel and disconnect each fuse and check the draw at the battery. This way you can isolate each circuit to find where the draw may be coming from.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
Apr 6, 2023 at 4:23 PM
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