ThraxXx

So for the past two years, if I drove my transam every day then there was no problems the battery held enough charge to start the car every time. If I let the car sit for 3 or more days then it would start but would really lag and be slow. Sure enough something was draining the battery. I did a load test using a multimeter and found an 8amp draw.

I figured it was the alternator so I disconnected it and still the draw was there. I then noticed that when I reconnect the battery my headlight motors were engaging even though I had them turned off. I disconnected the headlights and did another load test and sure enough there was next to no draw..just the parasitic draw from the stereo. SO!!! I found the problem...now I have no idea where to begin for a solution. The problem could be at the motor, wiring or switch. I am thinking switch myself but I was wondering if anyone out there on the interwebs has seen this issue and could maybe give me some advice on the fix. It would be greatly apreciated.

oh and my car..its a 1988 Pontiac TransAm

sheltonw3

if the stereo is causing this problem?....you should pull it and look at rewiring it or buying a ready made wiring harness from any car stero shop?....if the drain is coming from that ,the wiring maybe tied in wrong,I had this problem with my 79' caddy and once I got a after market harness and tied it in ,the drain went away!

camaronewbie

It's not his stereo - it's his headlight motors.

I'm a Camaro guy, so I have no clue on headlight motors - sorry

ACCLR8N

iTrader: (8)

In the switch there is a circuit that is closed when the switch is off. Not sure what it is for. Warning maybe? I would start looking at the headlight relays. Might have a bad one.

ThraxXx

Sounds like a plan. I will investigate the relays tomorrow.

Blown84Bird

Don't forget the wiring bad ground can cause some weird stuff. And check the wiring for.chafing or melting

ThraxXx

well I found the power drain. I completely forgot to come back here and tell you guys the resolution. The power drain was caused by the stupid headlight motors. We tore them apart, cleaned, greased and refurbished and now everything is back up and running like a champ.