Another battery drain thread

[ajfriz]

I have a battery drain that will not go away. I have pulled every fuse and checked with an amp meter and I still have the drain. I haven't heard of an ignition switch causing a drain on a toyota, but can it be the cause of all my pain? The PO also did a couple of wiring mods that are kind of weird like he bypassed the wiring on the heater fan so it can run with the key off. If it isn't started every day the battery will be dead. I am sick of killing batteries!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

If there's a drain, you should be able to test it with an amp meter at the bat. Are you getting any reading? Are you sure the bat isn't just discharging on it's own?

 

[ajfriz]

Yeah I tested it at the terminal. It has been awhile since I had the amp meter between the negative post and the terminal so I can't remember the actual reading. I also used a test light on it the other day and it was pretty bright with the key off and all fuses pulled.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

You'll just have to start pullin' fuses.... There was some talk in a recent thread about a diode in the alt maybe causing this? IH8electricalissues

 

[ajfriz]

I actually just had the alt. rebuilt and tested for the diode problem.

 

[fourwd1]

Put the ammeter (amp meter) back in series at the batt + terminal, verify there still is a significant drain (> .5 A), then pull ALL the fuses, under the hood and behind the drivers kick panel. Still no change, start disconnecting things, starting w/things the PO changed, add-ons like stereo, trailer wiring, etc.

Just keep at it until the drain goes away and you know the source.
Or take it to the dealer and pay them $85/hr or so to do it.

 

[ajfriz]

I will try the underhood fuses in the morning. I have gone through all of the fuses in the interior fuse block.

 

[WristPin]

when you disconnect the problem you will see it, with the fluxuation in the testing equipment. just unplug things one at a time. and reconnect before moving on.

dont forget about the junction teminal on the drivers fender well. that can help you isolate the problem to the interior...

 

[ajfriz]

Is there any way it could be the ignition switch?

 

[WristPin]

yeah it could be.

have you ever taken one apart? there is 3 discs in there that have contacts. they are plastic. they do have holes in the middle that could wear out, causing misalingment of the contacts.

instead of completley removing the switch, just disconnect it at the plug.

its a flat square connector i think its gray. disconnect that on your next ammeter adventure.

 

[ajfriz]

Thanks wristy. I haven't taken apart a toyota switch so it is good to know about the contacts. I will try unplugging it because now I have tried every fuse in the 4runner and the drain is still there.

 

[D'Animal]

Check my "Need a Picture" Thread in the Mini forum.


I know more about the mini than I ever wanted too.

 

[ajfriz]

What is powered by this plug? When I unplug it the drain goes way down on the meter. Please forgive my weak photoshop skills.

 

[ajfriz]

Well I traced it and it does go to my alternator. I just had that damn thing rebuilt because I submerged it in muddy water.... Anyway, is there any way to change the diodes without buying a new alt?

 

[D'Animal]

There should be a way to replace them. But the person who rebuilt it should stand behind thier warranty.

 

[ajfriz]

I will find out tomorrow if they will do anything. I have a feeling I am going to be hosed because I no longer live there and he will want it there to test it.

 

[ajfriz]

It is NOT the alt. I disconnected everything from it and am still getting a HUGE drain. I can hear a relay that sounds like it is coming from the efi whenever I complete the circuit with the meter.