Battery Drains w/in 5 days
Asked by Guru9D3HX2 Nov 20, 2020 at 09:23 AM about the 1996 Lincoln Town Car Cartier
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
What would make the battery drain after 5 days sometimes 3 days? I've noticed
that after the car has been turned off, the windows are still active no matter how
long its been sitting. Could this be the ignition accessory switch staying active?
6 Answers
Guru9D3HGC answered 4 years ago
I have a fleet car, 2017 for edge, with about 47k miles. It has started having the same issues. Any solutions?
lincolnscott49 answered 4 years ago
The simple way to find an electrical draw is to perform a parasitic draw test with a 12 volt test light to find the problem circuit . First disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Attach one end of the test light to the battery negative post and the other end to the negative cable that was removed . The test light is now inline with the charging system. If something is drawing power the test light will be illuminated. You will be pulling fuses to find the circuit that is drawing power. Keep in mind some circuit normally draw power like the dome light when the door is opened or the radio that maintains set stations and a clock. Pull those fuses first. If the light on the test light remains illuminated another circuit is drawing power.Pull one fuse at a time to see what circuit might be creating the draw. If the light doesn't go out on the test light replace that fuse and move to the next until you find the circuit fuse that does make the light go out. That will be the circuit that has a problem if it is a cicuit related to power that is fused. If its the brake light fuse that has the draw check the brake lights for a problem with the light or socket or the brake light actuator. Not all circuits are fused by a fuse in a fuse box and if you pull all the fuses and the light remains. Let me know and I will advise.
lincolnscott49 answered 4 years ago
If you have a hood light remove it when you open the hood . Also this can be done with a multi meter as well.
Are you parking it on an incline or level ground? We have a 1995 Town Car Signature that exhibited this problem of the battery constantly draining. We were told it's due to a short circuit somewhere. It developed because the rear part of the driveway sloped downhill so it was being parked facing downhill. As long as it's parked level it's OK. (Not sure about facing uphill but that may be OK too.) If you find where the short is please post an answer. Thanks.
