2 New Batteries, Keeps On 'draining'?

[hippynmagic]

I've had a look around the forums and can't quite find the problem/answer...so hopefully someone here might be able to assist.

 

I have a 98 2.0 Auto GLX, and had the problem just after Christmas. When unlocking I noticed the central locking didn't work. When trying to turn the ignition...nothing. No lights on the dash or any signs of life. I removed the battery and gave it a charge for about 12 hours. Once I replaced it, and tried to start up, I had a very feint battery light on the dash and the mileometer quite feint...nothing else at all. The battery was less than a year old.

 

I then asked a friend to help jump start the car...this worked a treat and it roared into life. I eventually plumped for buying a new battery (recommended for the Galaxy I have). Once plumbed in the car worked fine...however 2 weeks later it has done exactly the same thing. Central locking not working and a 'dead' car?

 

I've checked for anything that could drain it. No lights/interiors are left on, although there is a CD stuck in the CD player.

 

Someone suggested I check the earth lead is connected correctly, although me being a bit ignorant on this cannot be sure which one that is, or where it would be connected to.

 

The car has no extra mods or amplifiers either...any ideas?

 

Thanks

 

Jon

[gregers]

check the glove box light isnt staying on

[stevie m]

I have a problem with my battery too. I find that if i leave my lights on for a very short time without the car running the battery goes flat (very short time). I have a multimeter so i looked at the voltage going to my battery and i think it seems a bit low so the battery may be not getting enough juice when the car is running. I work with batteries alot so im going to do a hydrometer check once it's fully charged. I have also found that the fuse box by the battery (the black one) is melting too so i wonder if by replacing a lead in it that that might have a connection to the problem anyone know ?

[mumof4]

do you mean the main fuse feed box steve? if so, replace the the box and the black alternator cable.You must replace them both at the same time or the problem will reoccurr.

[stevie m]

Yes i have replaced it before. The problem is in the process of coming back. I wonder if that would also drain battery (stab in the dark really) Thanks mumof4 Edited January 20, 2008 by stevie m

[mumof4]

have you checked your alternator? mine went poof the last time the fuse box decided to liquidise. something inside the alt burnt out i believe.

[stevie m]

what voltage should the alternator be giving to the battery. I have checked it with a multimeter but i think it's low ? 13.4v. Someone told me 14.5v ish should be right ? If that's on it's way out more money i have to pay out. :wacko:

[Smilge]

13.4 is OK Steve ... yes it should be around 13.8 to 14.4 but you have enough there to trickle charge the battery. What I would do is to remove the battery and start to inspect all the battery wiring connections for corrosion and heat damage. The main earth needs to be cleaned at both ends. Like Mum said, if you have started to get the problem again then its time to replace the cables.