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What can cause the electrical system to slowly drain the ...
Sent to Car Experts May 22 11:42 PM

What can cause the electrical system to slowly drain the battery on a 1997 Cadillac El Dorado

 

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1997 Cadillac El Dorado

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I have a mechanic working on it and he hasn't come close to finding the problem. The battery will drain after parking the car for 3 days, I'll jump start it, run the car to charge the batteries and same problem arises after parking the car for 3 days.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $25
Answer
May 23 12:42 AM (59 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Unfortunatly this vehicle is equipped with a very complicated electrical system. To correctly identify what is causing the key off drain a amp meter needs to be placed inline witht he battery negative terminal, than one fuse at a time is removed to locate the draw, when a fuse is pulled and the meter shows no drain the circuit which the fuse protects is the culprit. Now this vehicle has many luxury items, which is an other reason the battery can drain. So we can try to isolate what may be causing the problem by checking basic items. First, have the vehicle in a quite area, and walk around it. Listem for any type of motor running, such as the power trunk motor. Also, remove the trunk bulb, and glove box bulb, both of these are common to stay lit from faulty switches and cause drains, if the drain persists after the bulb removal, than they were not the cause. Also, if any of the power seats are not working in any direction, this may be a sign that the seat switches are causing the draw. Basically, any switch on the vehicle that has power to it normally when the car is off, has the ability to cause a draw, in most cases the switch in question will not operate correctly, so if you have noticed any recent accessories that no longer operate correctly, check into them. Some items that are normally powered are: power door locks, courtasy lamps, under hood lamp, trunk lamp, trunk motor, gas door motor, power seats, headlamps, daytime running lamps, parking lamps, brake lamps, cigarrette lighters. In some rare cases the computer(s) themselves can cause a draw, but this and other sensitive electrical items need to be tested by a professional facility, that is familar with this vehicle. Also, check the battery cables for loosness, if they are even slightly loose, tighten them. If the computer(s) don't have a good connection with the battery, they'll tend to stay "running" in some instances and cause a drain as well. Make sure the battery is of good health, this vehicle is made to be ran every day and not for storage, if the battery is hooked up to the vehicle and the engine is not ran the battery can normally discharge within 5-10 days. If the health of the battery is low, it will discharge sooner.

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2108 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
Reply
May 24 7:33 PM (1 day and 18 hours later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: Do you have any more suggestions, my mechanic has tried checking the electrical system (2 months troubleshooting it) and is still dumbfounded. Has anyone ever asked the same question on the same car and what was their fix. Thanks
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 24 8:00 PM (27 minutes and 1 second later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

This vehicle is common to have a drain, I've had a hanfull myself, however, besides the regular lamps I mentioned earnlier; every other had diferent causes, basically since there are so many modules and computers on this vehicle. Be positive that your mechanic is looking at the basics first, the lamps are very common as well as the power seating. Also, ask if he has elliminated the fuses in the trunk. This fuse box is often missed. The problem your descibing takes someone educated in electrical systems, and late model computer control. Unfortunatly, 7 out of 10 technicians don't understand the theory of automotive electrical, and even if the problem may be simple is often overlooked. If you feel this may be the case, I would have either the dealer look into it, but more preferably a reputable electrical shop. A wrong diagnosis on this car can cost $$$.

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
Picture
RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2108 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
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