[1996CC]

I'm about to pull my hair out. A couple months ago I bought two brand new red top Optimas to replace my stock batteries that were dead. If my truck sits for a week or more, they go completely dead. I have charged them after each time, even taken long trips - everything seems fine and then 1 1/2 weeks later - DEAD.

I have disconnected the batteries and used an amp meter to check for a draw, and it's like -0.04, which is nothing. I have pulled every fuse in the distribution panel and the under dash fuse panel and nothing seems to affect the draw. I don't want to pay for someone to diagnose it, I hate others working on my vehicles, but I've reached the end of my electrical knowledge (which isn't much). I called the shop I bought them from (knowledgeable auto electric place) and they of course said to bring it in, however there is an off-chance that one of the Optimas is bad, which drains the other one also.

Thanks for your help. Any ideas? I'm planning on taking it in Friday morning, unless the experts here can solve it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sparkydm]

Either you have a drain on the batteries or the batteries thenselves
are defective. Those are the only 2 options you have. Apparently,
you've checked for the possible battery drain from your electrical
system. Let us know what the electrical shop tells you about the
batteries. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

 

[1996CC]

Anyone else???

 

[94_turbo]

ORRRRRRR-you have a bad diode in the alt---they can short to grd--go open--or go reverse--which means they will work fine running--but when you shut the truck off--the elec goes backward--and drains the battery--and how fast depends on how bad the diode is--

 

[1996CC]

Forgot to mention that I checked that first. I unplugged the alternator and there was no change in draw.

 

[KC Fan]

I had a similiar problem with mine... the glove box light would stay on... simple adjustment to the latch mechanism and all is well.

John /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[1996CC]

Thanks for the tip, but unfortunately mines not that easy. The last time I drove it was for 4 hours at night and I would have noticed that. I will double check it though.

 

[TexasAggie]

You did hook your ammeter up in series, right?

 

[Gymbo]

Run in to Les Schwab or NAPA and have your batteries load tested and at the same time they'll be able to tell you if you alternator is up to snuff.

 

[Gone Fishen]

Ok, try this. Charge batteries top shape. Disconnect both batteries from each other, nothing hooked up. Come back in 1 week and test batteries. You might have 1 bad one. Another trick. Remove both batteries and clean the battery trays. Install a rubber cushion [you should have one there anyway] and reinstall the batteries. Make sure that the hold down clamps are ok and not causing the problem also. In other words make sure the batteries are not shorting to ground via their installation hardware. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[Txfishermn]

I had battery problems too. I really think you have a draw somewhere. Optimas are a great battery. Both of mine are three years old and not a problem in sight. ( knock on wood )

I would have the batteries checked by someone with a good load meter. I would also want to be sure your alternator is not OVER charging your batteries. I had that problem in my 93 diesel. It would sulfate a set in about three months.
Otherwise look for a draw, bare wire, or make sure that nothing is causing contact between the battery posts. If you have the Optimas with both side and top posts, be sure that nothing is causing contact. Moisture is the culprit behind the old wives tail of placing batteries on ground. Condensation will discharge a battery.

Good luck /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[1996CC]

Well, its in the shop this morning, so will see what the problem is. I can't afford to wait another week to see if they discharge, or waste my time running in circles. My hope is that it is a defective battery so I won't be out any money.

Thanks for trying to help me.

 

[stroker101]

this is good info! i too have this problem. i think i have a defective battery.

 

[97f250RED]

most definately a paracitic draw somewhere
i just finished this phase at Nashville Auto Diesel College
no im not a pro but it could be many things that are keeping it on
the first things is to check all your connections
if u can get it fired off and have drive it around town for a bit then pull in somewhere and pop the hood...smell the batteries if the alternator is over charging u will smell them and know
should smell kinda eggish however i dont think overcharge is your problem
also since they are new batteries i would highly doubt ud have a voltage leagage problem dirty batteries leak voltage across the top its pretty neat u can check that by setting ur meter to Volts DC and putting the negative probe on the negative terminal and running the positive probe across the top of you battery
anyways i would think if its not a paracitic draw then ur alt isnt charging to its fullest you can use a jumper to see if the altornator is making its full charge capability but i would leave that to the pros as if u dont know what you are doing you can REALLY REALLY mess stuff up

 

[1996CC]

Well, it was a bad battery. The shop was surprised because they sell a lot of Optimas and rarely have a problem. But I have a new battery and all is well. Best thing is I didn't have to pay to have a problem fixed. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Man that thing fired up fast with two good batteries. When I replaced the stockers, it still fired up about the same - because it was starting with only ONE Optima /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

Thanks for the help.