8 Amps is a lot of current

toy60

Joined

Feb 7, 2004

Threads

37

Messages

232

Location

Brisvagas (Australia)

• Apr 6, 2005

• #1

My battery keeps going flat.

I checked the draw with a multi meter and I am drawing 8 Amps with ignition lights etc all turned off.

I pulled the fuses and the Stop lamp fuse is the culprit.

The stop lamps work ok!
I dont see smoke either

Any Ideas??

 

NocalFJ60

Joined

Aug 2, 2004

Threads

88

Messages

3,535

Location

San Francisco Bay Area

• Apr 6, 2005

• #2

Looks like you narrowed down the problem to that circuit. What is hooked up in that circuit? Just the two front headlamps? If it is drawing current when you have your lights off I would look for a relay that controls the lamps. I am guessing there is a relay for the lamps.

 

Tinker

Joined

Apr 15, 2004

Threads

64

Messages

2,863

Location

Larkspur, CO

• Apr 6, 2005

• #3

Did you pull the bulbs & check for a short to ground?

 

T

Throttleman_610

Joined

Feb 10, 2005

Threads

5

Messages

56

• Apr 6, 2005

• #4

8 amps is huge! A relay or even a high cuurent contactor should only draw 1 -3 amps max. Are you sure its not .8 on your meter, in that case it would be 800 MA and possibly a relay coil. Have someone lift the wire at the power source off and on and go listen for something making and breaking. A headlamp will draw 5 - 6 amps, a running light maybe an amp, a solenoid maybe 1 - 3 amps. Good luck.

JB

 

toy60

Joined

Feb 7, 2004

Threads

37

Messages

232

Location

Brisvagas (Australia)

• Apr 6, 2005

• Thread starter
• #5

Grabbed a meter from work Yep its 8 amps.

I took both the Tail lights out and removed then from the vehicle
Opened up the trailer connection and took it off left all the wires dangling
Have to go top the other end I think

Still drawing 8 amps through the STOP Light Fuse.

Keep tuned for the next exciting installment

 

Pluton

Joined

Oct 12, 2004

Threads

11

Messages

425

• Apr 6, 2005

• #6

toy60 said:

Grabbed a meter from work Yep its 8 amps.

I took both the Tail lights out and removed then from the vehicle
Opened up the trailer connection and took it off left all the wires dangling
Have to go top the other end I think

Still drawing 8 amps through the STOP Light Fuse.

Keep tuned for the next exciting installment

Click to expand...

8 amps at 12 volts is 96 watts...you've got something in that car that's using as much electricity[and maybe getting as hot as]a 100 watt light bulb. good luck.

 

L

lovetoski

SILVER Star

Joined

Jul 12, 2003

Threads

198

Messages

4,654

• Apr 6, 2005

• #7

If you've pulled the bulbs and still get the 8 amp draw, then you've got a short. That can easily draw a lot of amps. It can also over heat the wires, melt the insulation, and cause a fire.

Stronly suggest you use the wiring diagram and trace the wires to see if/where a short might be. My guess is that you'll find a spot where the insulation is worn, and it's connecting to ground.

 

toy60

Joined

Feb 7, 2004

Threads

37

Messages

232

Location

Brisvagas (Australia)

• Apr 7, 2005

• Thread starter
• #8

Lifted the wire that runs along the door frame and cut the wire.
draw stops so the problem is in the back of the car.

There is a wire going up int the roof that I will chase tomorrow in the daylight bit I think there must be something up there as I have pulled the tow connections off and the draw is still there

Stay tumed this is almost exciting

I looked at the circuit in my elery manual It doesnt show anything

 

toy60

Joined

Feb 7, 2004

Threads

37

Messages

232

Location

Brisvagas (Australia)

• Apr 8, 2005

• Thread starter
• #9

Found the Culprit

There is a solenoid in the rear tailgate to operate the lock and unlocking of the latch remotely. It is controlled by a lock unlock switch on the dash.

The switch was shorted in the unlock position.

The solenoid is cooked but the wiring is ok.

Prblem solvered!!!