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02 Bonneville.... something draining battery

Old 02-13-2016, 12:10 PM
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Question 02 Bonneville.... something draining battery

I bought this car last February from Joe Ricci. From the start, it has had varied starting problems. have had batteries replaced.
If you let it sit overnight with out running it, it will not start in the morning.
I need answers. ...... or at least a couple hints.
I cannot afford to have it LOOKED at. Most charge about $80-100 just to diagnose a problem.
HELLLLLLLPPPPPP
Old 02-13-2016, 03:02 PM
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How up to speed are you with vehicle electrical systems and multimeters?
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Old 02-13-2016, 03:27 PM
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LOL right
Old 02-14-2016, 06:10 AM
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If you are not able to use a multimeter, and have no knowledge about electrical systems then it is going to be difficult for us to help you.
Rather than LOL'n, it would have been better if you at least let us know if you know anything about either, or if you think you could understand enough to help us help you.

If you can learn to use a multimeter, and attach one in series to your cars negative lead, as well as pull fuse by fuse, and reading the meter to see if there are changes, then we may be able to help you.
If you cannot do that you'll never find the parasitic draw, and taking it to a shop will be your only choice.
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Old 02-14-2016, 11:57 AM
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I dont mean any disrespect. i know next to nothing about mechanical things.
Old 02-14-2016, 11:59 AM
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I will see if my son can do this
Old 02-14-2016, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by april6798@yahoo.co
I dont mean any disrespect. i know next to nothing about mechanical things.
Sorry, I did not mean to sound like I was implying you did, was just trying to find out if you knew enough to be able to do some tests.

When it won't start has it always been due to a dead battery?
If so you have a parasitic draw on the system, with a multimeter you can at least narrow the draw down to which part of the system it is, once you find which circuit the draw is on, then you can ask to see if we can find a diagram to help you see what all is on that circuit.
Here is a video that helps, maybe it can help your Son learn to do the test for you.
Old 02-14-2016, 10:49 PM
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Something in the car'* system is drawing the battery at night, when its sitting.
Just got another batter put in yesterday and son also got me a jumper box.... so if it happens... im not stranded.

Car drives good, even though antifreeze is draining into the intake manifold. Im told I will need to replace the intake, as well as the head gasket..... Problem being, I work afternoons and must drive between 2 schools through the week.
Old 02-14-2016, 10:54 PM
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and to let you know, I really appreciate all the info and help being given.
Old 02-15-2016, 03:45 AM
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Until you can trace down what is draining it, I recommend one of these, totally worth having, it will keep your battery from going dead, still keep a jump box on hand just in case.
Amazon.com: Deltran Battery Tender (021-0128) 1.25 Amp Battery Charger: Automotive Amazon.com: Deltran Battery Tender (021-0128) 1.25 Amp Battery Charger: Automotive

That comes with connectors that can be attached to the ground that the car battery runs to, and also the 12v lead.
Or you can just use the alligator clips it comes with, it is so small you can put it under the hood, just be sure motor is cool before doing so.
I have leave my cars anti theft system off though, because occasionally the alarm is set off while having this attached to the car, no idea why it does that.

The most common causes of parasitic drain are under hood lights, trunk lights, headlights or glove box lights that do not turn off when the door is closed. Relay switches that are stuck in the "on" position can also cause a battery to drain.
Also a bad charging system can cause the drains, as well as bad diodes on an alternator, a good diode lets current flow into out of the alternator, and into the battery only, a bad diode can let the current flow the other way, so it can drain overnight.

When doing the tests for drain, if your radio or antitheft system requires you to input a code after the power is interrupted, better find it before you start. It'* likely that you'll need it.
If you need it and can't find it there should be a number we can find for you to call, provided it is a factory AC Delco radio...

And thanks, I am happy to be able to help in any way I can, let us know how things go, I hope you find/fix the issue soon!

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