'94 SVX eats batteries
 

Hi,

I've not been around in a while, so I am a bit out of touch, but I've encountered some issues that nobody else can seem to resolve for me.

Back in 2008 I bought a '94 SVX (LSI I believe), fixed its only two problems (loose windshield washer hose under hood, junk stereo) including a decent JVC DVD/CD receiver and modern speakers, remote starter and alarm system. This worked great for a couple of years and I could park it at the airport in the middle of winter with the alarm on through 8-10" of snow for two weeks no problem, never failed to start. Just before I moved across Canada, the brakes started to seize.

In 2010 I put it up on a trailer and dragged it across Canada, then drove it straight to a shop to have the brakes checked. After two shops it finally came down to aged brake hoses breaking off pieces in the line and choking the brakes. After fixing that and an engine mount issue due to the crappy road conditions in my former home, this new problem started.

No matter what I do, including leaving the alarm system off, unplugging my iPod from the stereo, etc. the battery drains completely dry while sitting. Even a brand new, fully charged battery will be killed in a matter of days (if that) unless I disconnect the terminals. The car runs perfectly otherwise, but there's nobody around here who has a clue why the battery is being drained. I don't know if it's because of the cross-country drag, or something the last mechanic or two did, or something completely unrelated. I know it's not the stereo/alarm because it worked fine for 2+ years even leaving it parked with the alarm on. The car runs beautifully once I jump-start it, but I can't exactly rely on being able to get a jump every time I want to start the car, can I? :)

Is there anything common I could check? Is this something that happens often to SVX'es, or rarely if at all? There is no Subaru dealer here, but I can get to one an hour or so away if I have to. They have no techs who have ever worked on an SVX before; however, then neither did the Subaru dealer where I used to live and they still took good care of my baby.

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

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You probably have a parasitic draw of current when the car is off. Could be something simple, like a trunk light which doesn't go out anymore.

For information on how to diagnose a parasitic drain on your electrical system, check HERE and HERE




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Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

That is excellent. Brought up a lot of great points. This should be in the ref library.sticky

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

My problem was the trunk light. I finally found it one day when I put skis in the trunk with the seat folded down. Another common one is a short in the little wires where they run into the courtesy lights on the visors.

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

I occasionally fold my rear seat down while it's in the garage to check this very thing; takes 10 seconds.
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Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

I do the same thing with my refrigerator. Though it doesn't matter how fast I open the door, I can never tell if the light is actually turning off.
:tard:

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

Might try putting a turkey in it, close the door for a few seconds, open it and see if the turkey has gone to sleep?

Keith:cool:

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

I just spent about an hour looking for the cartoon of the penguin who lived in the freezer and shut the light off when you close the door. I think it was about future homes, loony tunes. Anywho, I had the same problem, it was the cigarette lighter.

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

Bingo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH5ONdVf7aU

4:45

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

I also had this problem (short in the visor lights).

Re: '94 SVX eats batteries
 

Thanks, I'll be having a look at that when I get back on my feet (down with the flu today). LOL'ed at the video, michael :)