New battery, but completely dead

msvx95 · #1 10-04-2010, 05:40 AM

So last week I proactively installed a new battery after my power steering/alternator belt broke.
Well later in the week, my door locks stopped working from inside...I'm thinking door lock timer gone bad? Needless to say I didn't check it, but let the car sit for 2 days without driving it. This morning the car completely dead, won't even crank.
Can someone tell me how to check for an electrical drain somewhere in the car? I wouldn't think it's the battery but not sure.

Thanks

dcarrb · #2 10-04-2010, 05:55 AM

Even a new battery can be almost fully discharged when installed. First thing would be to charge it fully and see if it again discharges within a couple of days.

dcb

SoCal LS-L · #3 10-04-2010, 09:20 AM

1. Fully charge the battery, make sure EVERYTHING in car is turned off.

2. Let battery sit for a few hours disconnected, then measure voltage of battery with multimeter.

3. Install battery, and connect battery cables. Measure voltage again, if it is more than 1/6 volt lower connected, you have a parasitic draw.

4. Now you can eliminate each individual circuit by pulling the fuse and seeing if it kicks the voltage back to baseline.

msvx95 · #4 10-04-2010, 10:14 AM

I know I drove the car for a few days after the new battery and let sit for at least one day and took my truck. Car was fine last week. I will charge it and follow your instructions as listed.
Thanks guys

msvx95 · #5 10-04-2010, 06:26 PM

Checked the battery disconnected and it read 4.5vdc...charging it overnight, will check in the morning, let it sit disconnected and see if it loses charge again.

kwren · #6 10-04-2010, 07:38 PM

Almost sounds like the new battery is a "bad" new battery...

Keith