Electrical short
 

I think I may have a electrical short in my 2000 S. What items stay charged when the key is off? Radio, alarm. What else? Is the list of what fuse does what on the cover of the fuse box lid. I thinking I can start by disconnecting these items and then check for as I pull fused to locate the potential troubled area. Relays too. Any suggestions, warning, thoughts?
Thanks,
David

Got a voltmeter???

Watch this short video and you can find whatever issue you might have.

https://youtu.be/KF1gijj03_0

Do you actually pull the key out when not parking the car? If you leave the key in many things stay powered.

Thanks. I do not leave the key in. I put the car away in January and since I've fired back up, the battery seems to drain over a week. Had battery tested. I moth balled the entire car but maybe a mouse got in some place. I had the same problem with my 911. Never was able to fix it but the wiring on my box is all original so that should help. I'll watch the video. Thanks again.

There should be a folded paper with the fuse layout on the inside of the cover. Pull them one by one with the ammeter hooked up in line with the positive side of the battery until the current drain drops.

From watching that video, I am wondering if maybe something is switched on that I do not know about. I was messing with the roof during the winter. Any switches on the dash that is an off on switch?

I did pull the passenger seat out during the winter to replace water pump. Maybe something there has been altered. No warning lights are on. I have a durametric, I wonder if that would report anything.

Everyone should have a VOM and learn basic use


FWIW I still have my VTVM :)

I'd remove the battery and have it checked. How old is it?

How long's it been since you've swapped your ignition switch?

I had the battery checked, it reported ok. Is the ignition switch known to cause a short?

You won't know until you do some testing. Easiest way to pinpoint the circuit is with a volt meter. All you and we can do is guess.

The key fob wireless set up stays on for a week and then shuts down to save power. Are you setting the alarm when parked?

What aftermarket stuff is installed?? These can be the root of all evil when dealing with electrickery.

No aftermarket stuff. I will first check if I turned in any switches by mistake. Then I'll check the individual circuits via amps and fuses.
If I get to this point, Can I disconnect the starter switch and then check the amps? Is that going to fry anything.
Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Lots of things stay powered in these cars when off and battery will not last as long as simpler cars (electrical wise), perhaps just charge it start it and drive it often?

If I am doing the amp check correctly, I am drawing about 1.5 amps without the key in the ignition. Supposedly nothing on but alarm. Seem high?

Yes, very high. Should be more like 200mA. Not sure of the exact number, but 1.5A (1500mA) will kill the battery just about overnight.

1.5 amps would be the same as an 18 watt light bulb left on. That is way beyond what you should see when parked.

Pulled all the fuses at the panel close to left foot on left side. Nothing. Weather is too lousy to work outside. I would love to leave Massachusetts. I'll move onto relay panel next. Do I have to worry about breaking anything removing relays.
Thanks,
David

I was mistaken, the car was drawing 1.6 milli amps, not 1.6 amps. I guess I just need to drive more. The battery is a year old. Seller put it in at pickup. Assuming As cheAp as they get.