Something is draining the battery overnight?

1996 DODGE RAM
160,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BIGMIKEM
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i recently been trying to start my truck and it doesn't have any juice left at all not even to turn on dome light. i had the battery replaced and alternator and will doing so i noticed the belt tensioner was bad so i replaced that too. once i jump it i have to give it gas for a couple of minutes if i don't it will turn off. after that it will run and start up all day fine unless left off for more then 4 hour then same problem. i have a stereo system in it but i have disconnected it and still have same results. i make sure every light is off and button every night but same problem how can i find what is draining the battery at night.
Jul 9, 2010 at 10:00 PM
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SQM
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Hello,

It sounds like you could have excessive parasitic draw (current drain) on your battery.
Every electrical circuit with a battery will have parasitic draw, however when that draw becomes excessive it will drain the battery faster. It can happen due to a light staying on like a glove box light or could be for a short in one of the electrical components like a window switch etc.

Here is a helpful video of how to find the parasitic draw:

https://youtu.be/z5F7WpgjaRs

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Sep 3, 2021 at 11:44 AM