Need Help Finding Thread on Starter Short

[Tejasdge]

I've searched every wording I can think of and cannot find the thread that has pictures showing the wire on the starter shorting out that draws down the batteries. My drain is back and I am looking at all the possibilities that have come up since the last time I thought I had it fixed.



I replaced the electric cooling fan clutch because I was getting a code for it. Drain went away for few months and came back.



I replaced the alternator because it tested bad. Was fine for a few months and came back.



Last time I removed every fuse, breaker and wire one at a time and didn't isolate it. My new list of possibles is:



The Starter short.

Another bad alternator.

Battery temperature sensor.

Bad voltage regulator in the ECU. :{

Instrument panel issue.



Any other suggestions I can add to my list? Is there any way to test the voltage regulator? This is kinda getting old.

 

[JBallou]

It is a yellow wire that goes down to the starter, the trigger wire. IIRC it causes a no start problem not a draw issue.



But if you look in the drivers wheel well, straight in twards the motor. I think it rubs on the bracket or shock tower.



Can't help with the picture.

 

[Tejasdge]

I checked the alternator and it is putting out 140 amps at idle (I replaced the stock one with a high output) and 14. 6 volts. With a draw on the batteries alone, they drop to 11. 9 volts quickly and stay there when the load is taken off. I am pretty sure my 2 year and 363 day old Red Top Optima's are giving out on me. 4WPW is exchanging them tomorrow under the free 3 year replacement. Better lucky than good I say. :-laf

 

[Tejasdge]

If you have a voltmeter/shunt you can measure parasitic draw. It will show up and go away as you pull the offending fuse (including the cluster's fuse)

I've pulled all the fuses and checked draw once before. I'm hoping new batteries take care of it and the old alternator was slowly giving it up, letting the Optima's draw down a few too many times. If I'm back griping about my electrical woes in a few months... ... well, you know.