Problem - dead battery in 1 weeks time!

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Feb 8, 2006 | 09:09 PM

hawaii5b

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From: hi

Problem - dead battery in 1 weeks time!

Hi guys!

I got a problem and I hope someone else out there can help. I've got a 93' GS300 whos battery goes dead in about 1 weeks time if the car just sits in the garage. I have a brand new battery and the alternator is about 8 months old. I've checked out the obvious - all the doors are shut and inside lights are all off - same with the trunk light. I took the alternator out of the car and had Checker test it and they said it passed. I've heard that the starter in the 1st Gen's goes bad often. Could a bad starter some how suck power from the battery even if the car is just sitting there? Any other ideas you guys can think of??? I appreciate any feedback here... HELP!

BTW If anyone is interested in buying a 1st Gen - I'm thinking of selling mine for $5,500. Adult owned and driven. She is all stock with only 102K miles on her. You can check it out at: http://gs300.blogspot.com/

Feb 8, 2006 | 09:15 PM

turbogs300

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From: Arizona

Disconnect battery and see if problem persists. I 'd say it's the battery, has a slow discharge or you don't drive it enough to fully charge the battery. Get a battery tender and try that as well.

Feb 8, 2006 | 09:23 PM

hawaii5b

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From: hi

Hey Turbo- I really don't think it is the battery. I thought it was at first and took the battery back to the store and exchanged it for new one. I forgot about this because this car isn't driven often... when I drive the car and apply the brakes - the dashboard light seem to dim. Almost seems like it sucks power out of the battery system...

Feb 8, 2006 | 09:34 PM

turbogs300

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From: Arizona

Aha, you didn't mention that before! Check alternator! .

Alternator output should be at least 13-13.5 with the engine at idle. Check at battery with multimeter or take it back to the auto parts store to check your alternator. Also check for corrosion around battery cables.

Last edited by turbogs300; Feb 8, 2006 at 09:39 PM.

Feb 8, 2006 | 09:45 PM

hawaii5b

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From: hi

yeah i forgot that little detail. i don't drive the car much. can you please provide instructions on how to check the output as you state? hope it isn't the alternator - it is only 8 months old. BTW the cables and cable ends are new...

we love Arizona - what part do you live in?

Feb 8, 2006 | 10:14 PM

turbogs300

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawaii5b

You'll need a multimeter or voltmeter set to DC volts. Place red lead on battery + black lead on battery -. Check voltage, should be close to 12volts on a properly charged battery. Start car. Voltage should increase to a minimum of 13.5volts, Optimum is around 14 volts at idle. Turn on headlights voltage should not drop much, if it does drop to 13volts or less, alternator is bad. Or if voltage stays at 13volts after starting and does not increase alternator is bad.. I'm in glendale Az.

Feb 18, 2006 | 06:12 AM

LexxxLuger

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From: Virginia

Hey, try this. I have a 93 GS 300 and have the same exact problem. Check to see if you have left the keyless entry switch on. It will drain your battery if the car sits undriven. Also check your heated seats, it will do the same. It has worked for me so far......