Battery keeps draining every two days on my 348

Does anyone know why my battery keeps draining out every two days.

 

Because there is something wrong?

Seriously, I would suggest removing half the fuses and seeing if that solves the issue. If it doesn't, put those back and remove the other half. If that cures it, put half of that half back etc. It is called binary search.
Alternatively remove one fuse at a time and see if there is a spark when you remove or put it back.
This will identify which circuit is causing the drain, from there work on the items on that circuit. It is likely an alarm system or radio or even the alternator (bad diodes). The latter is what used to sap my battery on the GT4.

Gerrit
http://dino308gt4.com

Have you hugged you car today?

 

The faster way is to get a Digital Multimeter and use the A function (current function). You disconnect the negative terminal from the battery, and connect the DMM between the battery and the negative cable. Put the meter in the A mode, you should see an amp or so if your car is draining the battery in 2 days.

Then, with the key in the off position, start pulling each fuse one at a time. You will find one fuse that, when pulled, drop the value from amps, to about 100mA or less. That is the circuit causing the drain.

Find what that fuse controls, and start looking at the equipment attached to that circuit. One of them will be defective and draining the battery all the time at a high current. Fix that, replace that, and there is your problem.

If you are lucky, it would be something like an alarm, a stereo, an amplifier, a dome light, or something pretty easy or obvious. If you are not, then it is a lot more obscure.

 

How old is the battery and, is the charging system working properly?

Before things get overly complicated, have the battery load tested and make sure the alternator is putting out the proper amperage to fully charge the battery.

 

Yup I'd go with Darolls suggestion first, then go with the meter. If the battery is more than 2-3 years old then it is probably at fault.

 

By all means get the battery tested but if you are thinking of using a DMM to find the fault by measuring current, make darn sure that the meter can handle more than 1 amp. Many do not! It is easy enough to blow the meter this way.

As to a couple of years out a battery, really? I expect to get 10+ years out of a decent battery, even from Canadian tire. My GT4 used to drain the battery in a week, replaced the battery and guess what? It was actually a bad diode in the alternator. now the car can sit all winter with the battery connected and it fires up nicely once the salt is off the roads.

If you can't get someone to load test the battery, then disconnect it and see if it still drains in 2 days. If not then it is still in the electrical system.

Gerrit

 

Somes you are lucky and can connect the current meter across the battery disconnect switch so it is easy to measure across the open switch without removing battery cables. I spent a couple of weekends chasing a 342 ma draw because various computer systems woke up and......and.........wait for it.........the stupid trunk wasn't latched down. After letting the systems go to sleep the normal current draw is 21 ma and no more dead battery! Another thing to keep an eye on is a connector under the air box that passes power to the starter...mine was coated with white arc stuff. FWIW

Jeff Pintler
89 348tb, 86tr, 99 360 3-pedal

 

Is it just me or do others feel the same?

Someone asks a question and we take the time reply; then we don't get any response from the OP. Kinda makes me feel used and wonder why I bothered!

 

I've certainly noticed that, but the greater percentage (in my experience) has been appreciative of the help.

 

Because many actually express thanks.

What bothers me is guys not responding with the answer they found to the problem. What they post is a puzzle and we try to solve the puzzle. Getting no feedback doesn't add to our knowledge base to help the next bloke with better information.

Hows we flog those who ask and disappear?

 

Yes, its always nice to get feedback from the OP if they have resolved the issue or not.

 

Well I'll say "thanks" then

Haven't got my 348 yet, but now have a bit more knowledge on a potential issue

My Ferrari knowledge is limited, but if you need assistance with audio, music, technology (I'm pretty clued up in this field), I'm your man

Dan

 

Yup I'll say thanks too, to all.

Dan, good to know your expertise.... Cheers

 

Ditto......

Sparky

 

Group hug

 

(...........), big group hug!

 

Well, gosh guys... some folks don't log on to their machine everyday, or get distracted with other things --- it's only been 10 days --- not too egregious.

 

BTW, you're all wrong..... The answer is because "IT'S A 348" --- electrical problems are built into the design of that one -- LOL

 

Usually with a really big stick

 

I am not sure if could happen to your car but I had the same problem with my 360 and it turned out to be in my amplifier for the radio and CD it had a short in it and when I got a new amp the problem stopped.

 

If it bothers you guys so much that he hasn't responded yet, send a PM.
Personally what I contribute is my opinion. The requestor can use it or ignore it. And hey, maybe something came up like a lottery win or something that is occupying his time now?
I'm just hoping that he heeded the advice to disconnect the battery before playing with the mechanism. Those up/down motors have lot of torque!!!

I'm sure he'll pop up again.

Gerrit

 

It is NOT this one guy - he probably has a good reason - he is just the unfortunate example, came around at the wrong time.

It's the general case...there is no animus to the OP. But when a puzzle is presented we like to know the answer!

 

You're right, he probably won the lottery and sold the car. Bought a private island where he now lives and runs around naked all of the time!

By the way, I'm from Islington so my mindset may be different.

Lucky dude!!!!

 

This was basically the problem I was having with my 348. Previous owner had put in a stereo amp that was overkill for such a small cabin. Turned out the installer did just a bad job with the wiring that the battery was was draining in 48 to 72 hours. Once removed, all problems went away. It now has sat for as long as two months and cranks right up.

If there is an aftermarket audio system, I would check/test the wiring on those devices earlier rather than later in the diagnostic process.