Charging system problems

Asked by GuruCGPN Apr 14, 2017 at 10:05 AM about the 2005 Ford F-150 XL

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My battery keeps going down after about  after the engine is shut off for about
36 hours. I have replaced battery, positive and negative battery cables, and
alternator. The problem still exist.

2 Answers

157,455

Either you have a bad battery or there is a parasitic draw on the battery. To measure the draw remove the positive battery cable and connect an amp meter between the positive battery post and the positive battery cable. This will measure the draw. Make sure any under hood lights or interior lights are turned off. To locate the circuit drawing the current you can remove and reinstall one fuse at a time until the draw stops. Then you have found the problem circuit. Once you have found the problem circuit then you examine all of the things in the circuit until you discover the problem. Common sources of parasitic draws are defective alternator, hood light stuck on, glove box light stuck on, interior lights on, stuck relays, etc.

2 people found this helpful.
38,915

timers and such can raw some juice for up to half an hour so give it that amount of time for problem to show . From memory 50 milli amps or more is too much , or search parasitic draw , let us know what happens .

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    41,830
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    15,990
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,480
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
201 Great Deals out of 7,977 listings starting at $3,000
Used GMC Sierra 1500
137 Great Deals out of 8,237 listings starting at $3,000
Used Toyota Tundra
36 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $10,698
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
32 Great Deals out of 792 listings starting at $4,290
Used Toyota Tacoma
40 Great Deals out of 741 listings starting at $9,975
Used Dodge RAM 1500
91 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Mustang
41 Great Deals out of 1,627 listings starting at $5,977
Used Ford Ranger
21 Great Deals out of 702 listings starting at $8,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
30 Great Deals out of 1,686 listings starting at $3,000
Used Jeep Wrangler
133 Great Deals out of 5,956 listings starting at $8,990
Used Ford Explorer
58 Great Deals out of 2,040 listings starting at $6,990
Used Toyota 4Runner
28 Great Deals out of 545 listings starting at $9,999
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
13 Great Deals out of 815 listings starting at $9,980

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.