Battery keeps discharging while sitting.

[TenorPlayinGuy]

Well I recently started to notice that the AMP light in my dash was staying on after i turned off my car and removed the key. It would turn off when i started the car or when i was in the RUN position. I have removed various items such as Stereo AMPS and aftermarket fog lights and the what not. To see if anything was shorting the power. and still nothing.

I do however have a question for a question ... Would a faulty ignition cylinder or ignition switch cause my Blinkers to not work, my Fan for the vents to not turn on, or even discharge my battery by keeping something on? i do notice that something turns on like maybe my fuel pump when i reconnect my battery. When the key is OFF. So would that be running All the time. Would i need to change my ignition cylinder or my ignition switch or is it the SAME thing?

THanks
Daniel

 

[jrichker]

Two things:

1.) There is a FREE recall on Ford ignition switches. They overheat and sometimes catch fire.

Copy down you VIN number and call the Ford dealer nearest you. Tell them you want to see if the ignition switch recall for Fords & Mustangs was done on your car. They will ask for the VIN number & check it against the master database. If it isn't in the database, then you can schedule an appointment to have the switch replaced for free. The TSB is #95S28, and don't let them tell you that they don't do that anymore...

2.) Typically it is something draining the battery. Small things like glove box or courtesy lights are often the culprits. If you have an aftermarket stereo or alarm system, it is also suspect.

The ideal method is to disconnect the positive terminal, and connect a Digital Multimeter (DVM) between the positive terminal on the battery and the positive cable. Set the DVM on a low current scale of 2-5 amps if it doesn't auto range. Watch the current draw, and then start pulling out fuses. When you see a sudden drop in the current, that circuit is the likely culprit. Note that the computer, radio & clock will draw less than 1/10 amp to keep the settings alive.

 

[TenorPlayinGuy]

well i believe its the fuel pump thats staying on... the question is why... Im gonna replace my cylinder tommorow ( i already had an extra one. and the switch also) but if it doesnt fix it what would you guys suggest... thanks

 

[ECU5.0]

replace the fuel pump relay under the driver seat. i had the same problem with my fuel pump not cutting off when the car was off. its like 8 or 9 bucks at an autoparts store

 

[TenorPlayinGuy]

well today i replaced the ignition switch, keylock(mine was all torn up) and the fuel pump relay. I still have that amp light on in my car. I dont own a multimeter anymore. since i cant find it and cant really buy one with my low funds can i just try pullin fuses to find the culprit or would i need the multimeter to guide me?

does anyone else have an IDEA of what can be going on?

 

[QDRHRSE]

JRichker gave you some excellent advice. Although it does not seem the problem here, you could take your battery to an Autozone (or whatever your local autoparts chain is) and have them test the battery. Does not sound like the battery is your problem but it couldn't hurt.

 

[TenorPlayinGuy]

already did... they said it was fine so thats why im askin you guys...

i swear im saving for an optima thats why i dont want to spend much trying to fix this...

 

[QDRHRSE]

If that's the case do what JRichker said- damn good method. I have an optima and it works great!!!

 

[TenorPlayinGuy]

i was just thinkin I have an MSD 6a Ignition with the Ford TFI adapter. COnnected Directly to the battery, it was originally installed on my moms 94 but it madeno difference to her car. My car i got way better gas mileage with it so i kept it... and seems mostly ever since i put it on ive had this problem. So do you guys think maybe the ignition isnt shutting off? or what?

 

[5.0Droptop]

I had a 5.0 efi in a wagon. The alt would charge 14 volts. But it also had a dead short in it and it would drain the battery over night. took me awhile to figgure it out.

 

[TenorPlayinGuy]

hehe... mine took 4 hrs to discharge
and it was one of the signal wires sitting on the header and making contact with the other wires... so i seperated them and cleaned them up and walla no more short. Thanks guys for all your help