Battery Drain Test

1. Connect a 12 volt test lamp in series between the positive battery terminal of the battery and the positive battery cable clamp.
2. Turn all electrical accessories OFF, then ensure the ignition switch is in OFF position. If the test lamp glows, this does not necessarily mean that there is a battery drain. Some systems and components (interior lighting, ABS, PCM) are ``hot at all times'' and may cause the test lamp to glow and indicate that there is a battery drain.
3. If the test lamp glows, with ALL electrical accessories turned OFF (including the clock, if equipped), a battery drain is indicated.
4. Remove the fuses from the fuse panel one at a time until the test lamp goes out. The fuse that was removed when the lamp went out is the circuit that is draining the battery. Test for a defective component or wiring in that circuit.
5. If all the fuses are pulled and the test lamp still glows, remove the output cable from B-terminal and also the 2-pin connector from the rear of the alternator.
6. If the test lamp goes out with the alternator completely disconnected, an internal drain in the alternator or IC voltage regulator is indicated.
7. Remove the alternator from vehicle, then perform bench test procedure.