Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Car Question?)

Type your question here

Sent to Car Experts January 4 2006 at 7:53 AM
   

I have a 1991 Toyota Camry....it has an electrical short that runs the battery down when car is left not running...small current leak..I disconnected one battery terminal and hooked an ammeter in series with the battery cable (current leak of one tenth of an amp) with evey thing turned off and doors closed. I pulled evey fuse one at a time (both under hood and in side fuses)...could not stop current leak by pulling fuses. Help!!!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 4 2006 at 8:15 AM (22 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
If you are certain that you have found all the fuses and disconnected them, also pull out any relays you can find. If the draw is still present, then disconnect the alternator wiring (be very careful not to let the big alternator wire ground out against the engine or any other part of the car (it will spark). Secure the wiring to prevent sparking.

Make sure you have all the fuses out at the same time, not just one at a time. Some components may use 2 fuses for shared power, and you might miss the draw unless all fuses are out at the same time. Just keep track of their positions when you do this.

If the draw goes away when the alt is disconnected, there is a problem with the alternator (could be a bad diode) allowing it to drain the battery.

Obtain a wiring diagram if possible, it will usually make the diagnosis easier.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Car Repair