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CHARGING PROBLEM
Sent to Car Experts July 31 06:24 PM

I have a 1990 Dodge B250 van with a 318 c.i.d. engine.Whenever I do not drive the van for a week my battery is drained.I have replaced the battery and had the alternator checked,it was fine.I was told that the voltage regulator is builtin to the ecm.How can I check it and were is the ecm located on this van.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
July 31 6:29 PM (5 minutes and 22 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
If the problem only occurs after being parked for extended periods, i wouldn't be looking at the voltage regulator. i would look for something that is not shutting off and is drawing on the battery while it is shut parked. You can confirm this by disconnecting a battery cable next time you leave it parked.
PictureHammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
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July 31 6:37 PM (7 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: you did not answer my problem,where is the voltage regulator
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 31 6:43 PM (5 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
It's controlled by the engine computer, just like you said. That's not your problem. All you have to do to check it is put a voltmeter accroos the battery with the engine running. If you have over 13.5v, it's fine.

Edited by Hammer Time on July 31 2005 at 6:44 PM
PictureHammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
Reply
July 31 6:46 PM (3 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: how can i check to see just what is drawing my battery down
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 31 6:52 PM (6 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Get a digital ammeter and hook it in series between the battery and a disconnected cable. Also hook a jumper wire the same way. With all the doors and everything closed, leave the jumper on for 10 minute to expire all the automatic timers then remove the jumper leaving only the ammeter. It should read no more than 50 mv. If it does, start pulling fuses one at a time until the meter drops. that will be the circuit with something staying on. Be sure not to trigger interior lights or anything else when checking the fuses. it can be things like trunk or glove box light staying on, brake lights staying on or any of the warning chimes or light timers may not be going to sleep as they are supposed to.

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PictureHammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
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