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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
89
Ford Escort, Battery Drain Problems
Q: I have an '89 Ford
Escort Four Door Station Wagon. The battery keeps draining when the engine
is not running. I purchased a new battery about a month ago, and something
in the electrical system is still pulling the battery down. I removed
the fuses to the radio, Cigarette/Cigar lighter, Air Conditioner, and
the cable to the Brake status switch located on the Master Cylinder. Still
the battery drains. I also replaced the alternator. It was bad. However,
I still have the same problem. If you have any clue what is draining the
battery I will greatly entertain your suggestions on what may be causing
this problem. It's driving me nuts. Other than this problem, the little
car runs like a top. Has a really smooth idle when running......Carroll
A: There
is a possibility of a sticking computer relay. You may find that suggestion
entertaining, but it happens more frequently than you can imagine. The
contacts in the relay that power up the computer will stick. Even with
the ignition key off and all the fuses pulled from the vehicle there will
be a current draw on the battery. The relay is hard wired with a fusible
link into the electrical system; there are no fuses to pull. When a sticking
relay is suspect, we will set up and monitor the electrical circuits powered
by the relay to prove the problem. Another approach would be to unplug
the computer relay while the vehicle is not being used. If the battery
doesn't go dead you've found problem.
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