This is topic Battery drain after rain... in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners .
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Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on
:
So. On my daily driver 2002 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6L, I discovered my battery dead one morning after rain. I have a new alternator and a new battery. I bought the battery after it was dead. So it drove fine for a few weeks until this past weekend after I parked it on my days off and it rained. I find the car dead as a horse again.
I don't know how to check to see what's draining or causing this issue. I know it's after rain though. So I'm assuming water is getting in some where. The floors are not soaking wet but I notice a mild dampness.
Any electrical guru folks that can help me out? Or point me in the right direction?
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on
:
Unplug the positive battery terminal and put an amp meter in line with it. How many amps does your car draw at idle? It should be less than 0.2A. Remove the hood light to get an accurate reading. Next unplug the power lead to your alternator. Does the amp meter read less? Try taking out some fuses to see if the current draw reading o the amp meter drops. This will help you narrow down the faulty circuit.
Posted by saleen428 (Member # 7535) on
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FYI the first gen Expeditions are notorious for leaks from the top of the windshield. Water enters the interior and runs down the A piller and down to thw wiring harness junction. Things get corroded and short out quickly. You can test for leak by running wster from edge of roof and watching for water to dripbdown in footwell or run down firewall. Remove the interior grab handle and A piller trim to get a visual on leak.
Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on
:
Right on. Will do, thanks for the reply
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