Need a little help

[96GTS]

About a month ago I took the Viper to the dealership to get the electrical system checked because the battery would go dead over a 2 day period. The tech said there was a draw in the interior compartment that was draining the battery. He told me he could spend countless hours trying to find it, or I could just pull the fuse for that area. It did the trick, but I have to do it every time I park the car for more than a few hours. I remember seeing an ad for a battery disconnect that was located in the opening in front of the drivers door right where the fuse box is located. Does anyone know where I can find one?

 

[Midwest Muscle]

Why would you not just fix the problem with the component zapping the juice?

Mike M

 

[Bad_Byte]

I second the motion of why not just fix the problem. However, I find this is a common problem that is close to home. I'm doing the same thing currently on my 99. Pulling fuze #30. I was told to do this by a really reputable tech. I dunno what the big deal is but its apparently something to do with the alarm system. Anyway here is a link for you as a stop gap this should work.

battery disconnect

 

[96GTS]

The tech said he would have to pull the dash and start from there. He didn't seem too enthusiastic because he was my height (about 6'-3") and I didn't want to subject him to folding himself in half and working upside down when all I have to do is pull a fuse.

 

[Randy]

A suggestion: borrow a clamp-on current meter (or buy one - good ones from Fluke like the 134 are around $100-$150). Clamp it on the battery lead, measure how much current is being drawn. Then, go to the fuse block under the dask and pull each fuse, which may help you track which circuit has the draw. I'll bet its the sound system circuit; possibly the remote amplifier (amplifier"s" if its a Gen I), isn't turning off.

By the way: "Pull the dash"??? Well, he doesn't end up *under* the dash, so you don't need to worry too much about that. Our dashes don't come off in that manner. You pull the dash *cover* off, which you do without any behind-dash operations (about 8 screws that point upward for the kick panels, then the top edge pulls off), then each gauge is bolted *into* the dash. You can do most of the work while sitting in the seats.

 

[96GTS]

Thanks for all the advice. I don't listen to the radio, and the one time I used the alarm it went off for no reason. I don't think I'd miss either one if they were removed. I found the kill switch from West Coast Vipers, but I still intend to find the problem.

 

[Jay Herbert]

A suggestion: borrow a clamp-on current meter (or buy one - good ones from Fluke like the 134 are around $100-$150). Clamp it on the battery lead, measure how much current is being drawn. Then, go to the fuse block under the dask and pull each fuse, which may help you track which circuit has the draw. I'll bet its the sound system circuit; possibly the remote amplifier (amplifier"s" if its a Gen I), isn't turning off.

By the way: "Pull the dash"??? Well, he doesn't end up *under* the dash, so you don't need to worry too much about that. Our dashes don't come off in that manner. You pull the dash *cover* off, which you do without any behind-dash operations (about 8 screws that point upward for the kick panels, then the top edge pulls off), then each gauge is bolted *into* the dash. You can do most of the work while sitting in the seats.

Good advice, just work though one item at a time with the meter. Sort of like a treasure hunt Plus, it's a good excuse to buy a new tool!

 

[GTS Bruce]

I would find the problem.A short that drains a car 12 volt in 2 hours gives me nightmare images of a burnt out viper. GTS Bruce