Electrical Parasitic electrical draw

[Terry]

I have a 1983 CJ that has an electric draw that I just can’t identify. I’ve disconnected every electrical connection I can find and I still can’t find the source of the draw. If anyone has any suggestions I’d really appreciate it.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Leave the positive cable connected disconnect the negative place ur test light between the negative terminal and cable. (Should light up) then pull fuses one at a time. When the fuse with short is pulled the light will go out. Then you will know what circuit it is on. (Typically aftermarket radio lights etc etc etc)

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[Terry]

Leave the positive cable connected disconnect the negative place ur test light between the negative terminal and cable. (Should light up) then pull fuses one at a time. When the fuse with short is pulled the light will go out. Then you will know what circuit it is on. (Typically aftermarket radio lights etc etc etc)

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Thanks, I actually used a multimeter and did exactly as you suggested, I pulled every fuse then started pulling every connection I could find. I disconnected ALL the aftermarket accessories to eliminate them first and still can’t find it.

 

[RiverandSand]

Have you checked your alternator? It's not fused but does have fuseable link could have a bad diode integrally.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

You can also have a bad light switch they are notorious for frying them self's and sucking juice

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[TDHofstetter]

How much current is it drawing? That might provide a clue. Measure it with a pocket ammeter. Do you have some aftermarket stereo that might be pulling power? Does your horn work? Trailer light connector?

 

[Terry]

How much current is it drawing? That might provide a clue. Measure it with a pocket ammeter. Do you have some aftermarket stereo that might be pulling power? Does your horn work? Trailer light connector?

Great questions, the Jeep is at my vacation house so not sure how much it’s drawing. The horn doesn’t work, the aftermarket radio is disconnected and ther is no trailer light connector. Thanks Terry

 

[TDHofstetter]

OK. Check the wiring for that radio and also check the horn and attendant horn relay. You might find the horn relay stuck "on" and the horn unplugged because it won't clam up.

 

[RichChapin]

The shorts are a real problem to find
it could be two items that is causing it or just one that you have not found yet

i would try to split the system and see if its under the hood or in the dash

to do that i would pull the fuse plug in the engine compartment

then see if the short is steal happening if it after unplugged it

then look at always hot circuits alt, starter relay and smog relays

if short is gone after you unplug it then slit the plug and put half back in fuse block

no short then then un plug that half and put the other half of plug in the fuse block


if the short is their you now have the circuits it could be on

hope it helps you

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Disconnect the alternator wiring
G.