2000 Taco electric question

[VTFJ40]

The 00 Taco sits for a few days at a time recently and when I go to start it the battery is dead. Figured I left the dome lite on, but didn't think much of it. Bought a new battery, and few weeks later, the battery is dead again.

Popped the fuse panel, used a voltmeter and tried to see what was drawing. Found a 3 volt draw on the cold side of the dome/stereo fuse. Thought 3 volts was high for the stereo memory. Pulled the fuse and it still shows 3 volts on the cold side and 12.6 on the hot side (with a weak battery).

My questions (may be obvious, but I'm electrical illiterate)-

Shouldn't the cold side be 0 volts with the fuse pulled?

Would this mean a bad harness or fuse box?

Thanks in advance.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

A factory service manual would make this and lot's of other things much easier. (hint hint) Where did you test the 3 volts at? In the fuse box? You pulled the fuse and tested the 2 connectors and the hot side was 12.6 and the other "cold" side was 3 volts? Am I getting that right? hehe

 

[VTFJ40]

Correct.

Why buy the service manual when I've got you guys, for free?

I've been thinkin of selling or would've bought it. Going to the dealer with the wifes car today, so might try to order one. Like I said, eletrical is not my strong point, and wanted reassurance. The 40's harness was aggrevating enough, so even with the manual, this would be out of my league.

With the fuse pulled, there should always be 0 volts on the "cold" side, right?

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I don't think you should get voltage on the cold side of the fuse plug with the fuse out..... 3 volts makes me think it's feeding through something....

Here's some info on testing for the problem you have.

"Another thing is try testing the amp load with the truck off. to do this: shut off everything, the key, lights, interior lights, everything. Get a indash amp meter, a cheap one from a parts store about 10 bucks. Take the positive cable off of the battery, hook up a few short wires to the meter, hook the positive wire from the meter to the positive battery cable that goes to the truck. hook the negitive wire to the positive terminal of the battery. See how much the gauge goes up. This will tell you how much draw there is with everything off. It won't tell you "what" is draining the battery but will help you track it down. Just a few things to try. "

Stolen from here:

http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/...=+88picktoy4x4&topic=&Search=true#Post1309018

I'm afraid we don't have too many taco owners in this forum, you may want to ask on ttora:

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2

Or maybe see if there's a free copy of the wiring diagram there.

 

[VTFJ40]

Thanks for the links.

 

[grant5127]

The 00 Taco sits for a few days at a time recently and when I go to start it the battery is dead. Figured I left the dome lite on, but didn't think much of it. Bought a new battery, and few weeks later, the battery is dead again.

Popped the fuse panel, used a voltmeter and tried to see what was drawing. Found a 3 volt draw on the cold side of the dome/stereo fuse. Thought 3 volts was high for the stereo memory. Pulled the fuse and it still shows 3 volts on the cold side and 12.6 on the hot side (with a weak battery).

My questions (may be obvious, but I'm electrical illiterate)-

Shouldn't the cold side be 0 volts with the fuse pulled?

Would this mean a bad harness or fuse box?

Thanks in advance.

Check for draws at the battery... disconnect the neg. cable, install a test light or voltmeter between the batt. post and cable. if a draw is present the light will glow or volt meter will show -volts.. pull fuses 1 at a time and check your metering device at each fuse pull.. if nothing changes disconnect the alternator (sometimes the problem) if no change disconnect the starter( same problem) try all & re post findings....