What's draining my battery?

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Labrador - 26 Jan 2006 22:17 GMT

I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix and my battery keeps dying on me. I
had my alternator, which was replaced about six months ago, checked and
they said that it was ok. What else could it possibly be the problem
that's causing my battery to die out? I'm stumped! Should I take my car
elsewhere and have them test my alternator again? Any suggestions would
be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

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TM - 26 Jan 2006 23:07 GMT

Take the trunk light bulb out and see if that solves the problem, the
mercury type switch went out in mine. Didn't use the trunk light enough to
warrant replacing the switch. Could be the underhood light as well, if so
equipped.

TM

> I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix and my battery keeps dying on me. I
> had my alternator, which was replaced about six months ago, checked and
> they said that it was ok. What else could it possibly be the problem
> that's causing my battery to die out? I'm stumped! Should I take my car
> elsewhere and have them test my alternator again? Any suggestions would
> be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

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brxsep - 27 Jan 2006 00:46 GMT

Had the same happened to me, but with a 1985 Buick Century Limted I
purchased new. After about 3 years, the battery kept running down.
Did remove the light blubs under the hood and trunk, but it still kept
happening. Then one cold night had the Limted parked out in front of
my house and just happen to glace out at it only to find the brake
lights were on! A moment after they went off.

Traced it down to the brake light switch and the grease used on the
contacts. Removed the grease and no more dead battery! Drove it for
until 100K miles without the grease (total miles 120K.)

My two cents.

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Lee C. Carpenter - 27 Jan 2006 00:50 GMT

What's the story on the battery? Age and brand.

I'm still running my original from 02/00. Having the thing under the back
seat extends it's life by a couple of years I think.

Lee

2000 SSEi

>I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix and my battery keeps dying on me. I
> had my alternator, which was replaced about six months ago, checked and
> they said that it was ok. What else could it possibly be the problem
> that's causing my battery to die out? I'm stumped! Should I take my car
> elsewhere and have them test my alternator again? Any suggestions would
> be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

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Dipstick - 27 Jan 2006 00:56 GMT

<<<Labrador
Jan 26, 4:17 pm I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix and my battery
keeps dying on me. I
had my alternator, which was replaced about six months ago, checked and

they said that it was ok. What else could it possibly be the problem
that's causing my battery to die out? I'm stumped! Should I take my car

elsewhere and have them test my alternator again? Any suggestions would

be greatly appreciated!! Thanks <<<

Your battery is dying because something isn't turning off when it's
supposed to. Common things are the underhood light (if equipped), the
trunk light (if equipped), the glove box light, aftermarket audio
equipment, radar detectors, etc. Finding it is up to you.

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=AB Paul =BB - 27 Jan 2006 01:02 GMT

Something is not turning off.
AND/OR the battery is shot.

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John Bailo - 27 Jan 2006 17:02 GMT

I have been having similar problems w/a 1991 Grand Prix.

I stopped using the (factory installed) radio and it seems to have lessened.

Especially when travelling in heavy stop and go traffic, having the
radio on seems to drain it more.

I am also suspicious about the led clock that is always running (on the
radio).

In fact, I'm thinking of disconnecting it entirely, and/or getting a
brand new, more efficient, mp3/sirius type radio.

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Niels Petersen - 31 Jan 2006 04:04 GMT

You probably have a "slow short" somewhere in the electrical system. Ti
narrow it down, disconnect the negative battery connection and place a
multi-meter between the battery post and the ground wire. There should
be a small draw. If the draw is large, you have a problem. To narrow
it down, keep the multi-meter connected and start pulling out fuses. If
the draw is drastically reduced when you pull a certain fuse, well, that
is the circuitry with the problem.
Good luck.

> I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix and my battery keeps dying on me. I
> had my alternator, which was replaced about six months ago, checked and
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>
>

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