Maybe someone here can solve this...I have an excellent condition 1990 Laser
RS turbo.everything is wonderful EXCEPT...the battery continually is drained
whenever the car isn't running. Obviously, I've put in a new battery. We've
gone through numerous alternators. We've cranked the headlights into the up
position, thinking one (or both) weren't completely down, or reading as
down. We've disconnected the giant fuse/relay thing (sorry, it's early and
my brain can't find the *correct* word)....nothing has helped. It seems to
charge the battery while running, at least there are no signs of it being
about to die on the road. But let it sit for 5 minutes, battery is dead.
Any and all ideas appreciated......thanks!

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Eclipsed - 22 May 2004 15:36 GMT
Do you have any stereo amplfier that is "running" after the amplifier
left on?
- With the car running, disconnect the POS + (red) terminal of the
battery, if the car dies immediately, the alternator is not charging.
- Measure the voltage across the battery with the car running. 13.5 to
14.5 volts should be measured.
DC3Gooney - 24 May 2004 09:44 GMT
>From: ZXR7@webtv.net (Eclipsed)
>Do you have any stereo amplfier that is "running" after the amplifier
>left on?
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>- Measure the voltage across the battery with the car running. 13.5 to
>14.5 volts should be measured.
Voltage reading of 13.5 to 14.5 at the battery, with the
engine running AND the battery connected, is sufficient
to test the alternator. Turn on a few accessories if you
want to see output under load, use an inductive amp
meter if you have one, but DON'T disconnect the
battery on a modern EFI car while the engine is running~
you may get lucky and not fry anything, or you might
end up with some nasty voltage going places it shouldn't.
DC3