Battery is dying

**TulsaZ28** · 11-10-2006, 09:06 AM

New battery. After jump start, alternator reads 14 v and battery reads about 14v. When I kill the engine, the voltage starts dropping almost like a timer. 12.98, 12.97, 12.96.... In a matter of a few minutes, it's too low for the car to restart. If i disconnect the battery from the car, it holds it's charge just fine. Is there deffinetly something drawing current, or is there a possibility that the battery just needs a good charge? This car sits most of the week. I start it once a week for about 5 minutes and the battery reads proper voltage as soon as it is started.

Suggestions???

**Transam388** · 11-10-2006, 10:19 AM

Well if the battery when disconnected holds its charge I would say there is definately something drawing more than it should. You did say the alternator does seem to be charging as well though when the car is running?

**TulsaZ28** · 11-10-2006, 10:24 AM

Yes, I get 14 v from the alternator and the battery stays at 12-14v and stays consistant as long as it's running.

**Transam388** · 11-10-2006, 10:45 AM

OK, that being the case then your alt is charging the battery and putting out enough to keep the car running. What you might try and I am sure some others have a better way of doing this but start pulling a single fuse and see if the drain continues. If yes, put back in and try another. Obviously this will only work for things going through the fuse box but maybe you can pinpoint which thing is doing the drain.? It must be something fairly major as radio and alarm use some small batter when the car is not running but with a new battery this should not be an issue.

**2001NBMZ28** · 11-10-2006, 10:56 AM

Won't hurt to bring the battery in and have it load tested, most places will check it free - if for no other reason just to eliminate it as being the problem.

**TulsaZ28** · 11-10-2006, 11:31 AM

Sounds like a plan. Thanks guys!

**02z28ls1** · 11-10-2006, 05:02 PM

5 minutes running time once a week will not recharge the battery . The strain of starting it will require more charge time than that. Sounds like the battery has been ruined from that- like stated, a load test will tell.