My meter shows a .28 amp battery drain. All the lights, etc. are off. I have pulled fuses to find the circuit to no avail.


I am thinking it could be the convertible top motor as this is powered without the ignition being on. How can I test it. I do not know where the fuse is, maybe someone out there can give me some advice.


When the motor is running, my meter shows 15+ volts across the battery terminals, so the charging system seems to be ok. When I disconnect the generator lead, the .28 amp drain still shows on the meter.


Thanks for any advice

 

Good technique so far.
Try pulling the connector on the voltage reg. with the car not running, see what your ammeter reads.
I had the same problem. after replacing with a more reliable solid state unit, problem gone.

George

 

Do you have an aftermarket stereo and amp? Trunk or hood light?

 

Stock radio, trunk and hood lite off.


Could this car have an alternator? There is no voltage regulator on the fire wall like there is on my other identical car.

 

Do you have a picture?

 

It'd better have an alternator.

It would have originally come with an externally regulated alternator, but that may have been replaced with an internally regulated unit at some time.

I agree - take the alternator and regulator out of the circuit and see if the drain stops - could be a bad alternator diode.

- Eric

 

I originally thought the car had a generator, shows you what I know.


Yes. The drain goes to zero when the alternator is disconnected. Apparently an internally regulated alternator was installed in the car. The wiring harness on the fire wall is taped up where the lead to the regulator was.


Hopefully a new alternator will fix the problem.


Thanks to every one for all the help.

 

If it is a 1 wire alternator, it may be normal depending what type of 1 wire it is. If it is a volt reading and not an amp reading on a 3 wire internal alternator it may be normal. Is the battery going dead? How long does it take?

 

I changed out the alternator and it is now charging 14.5 plus/minus volts, and the drain is gone.


Thanks for all the help !

 

Fantastic! You're welcome!

- Eric

 

Well done.

 

Anytime.
Glad to help.

George