2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

battery dies

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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 03:18 AM
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battery dies

my relocated battery continually dies, even after a recharge, and i think it may even die as the car is running like the alt isn't charging it. i had the alternator tested and it passed, where should i go from here?
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 05:34 AM
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Check for parasitic drains. Since you've just relocated it I'd double check every connection you made.
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 06:13 AM
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what size wire did you use?
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 09:56 AM
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I'm assuming it didn't start doing this until you moved it? Or has it been like that for a while and just now started acting up?
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 11:22 AM
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go get the battery tested at any local auto parts store
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 12:20 PM
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should like maybe you have a short...
make sure the line isnt open and touching metal anywhere...
then go get your alternator checked at a different place....
dont trust one teenager who just got his first job
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by blackedoutFC3S
go get the battery tested at any local auto parts store
brand new red top

Originally Posted by AreExSevenProject
should like maybe you have a short...
make sure the line isnt open and touching metal anywhere...
then go get your alternator checked at a different place....
dont trust one teenager who just got his first job
alternator should be fine, it worked for 2 years before i removed it from the car... put a new pully on it but that shouldn't matter.
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 07:34 PM
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here is a diagram of my relocation... i also have an electric fan like the right up from rotary ressurections right up... i'm not using the stock ground points obviously in the engine bay, but do have the block grounded to the firewall, and then all the grounds on the harness to the top of the motor etc....
Attached Thumbnails battery dies-relocation.jpg  
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 07:35 PM
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so you got pistons oh wow
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you never answered my question. what size of wire did you use? have you checked that 150 amp fuse?

Last edited by polito Racing; Apr 21, 2008 at 07:54 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 11:39 PM
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Originally Posted by polito Racing
what size wire did you use?
sorry, its 2awg and its not a fuse but a breaker... so it shouldn't be bad
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 12:15 AM
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2 ga should be good. just going from the easiest how is the continuity on the cable? and looking at your diagram i dont see any cables going to the alternator. check the cable that goes from the main fuse to the alternator just to make sure that cable is also good. this diagram might help you to understand what im talking about.

https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...hmentid=199213
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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yeah i didn't run a new line to the alternator... did i need to? i just have the old one but i'm not sure where its attached even.
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 12:53 PM
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so should it look like this?
Attached Thumbnails battery dies-relocation.jpg  
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 05:16 PM
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according to the diagram above. yes. a good way to check is to try continuity from the thick wire that goes to terminal B on the alternator to the to the actual battery connector to see if there is continuity to there or simply replace the cable. if yes let me know Im actually researching on what else could it be. If no continuity then you found your problem. all you would need is to run a new cable from the main fuse to the alt and you will be set. if you look at the diagram i posted youll see the cable goes straight from the main fuse (on the DS shock tower) to terminal B on the alternator.

Let me know what happens.
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 01:19 AM
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couple things, what size wire should i use for the alt? and yeah i'll check that line... one of my friends hooked up the battery wrong, and fried the main fuse along with a connector below it, so i'm guessing that the line to the alt has somethin wrong with it.
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 07:18 AM
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so you got pistons oh wow
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Originally Posted by superstock2
couple things, what size wire should i use for the alt? and yeah i'll check that line... one of my friends hooked up the battery wrong, and fried the main fuse along with a connector below it, so i'm guessing that the line to the alt has somethin wrong with it.
use the same 2 ga that should be fine.
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 11:52 AM
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i suck at anything electrical
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by AreExSevenProject
i suck at anything electrical
thanks for letting us know lol...
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 05:58 PM
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your welcome
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 06:59 PM
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did you check it yet?
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 07:14 PM
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1. Look at your volt gauge with the car running. 13.5-14.5 = charging, 12.5-13.5 = not charging, <12 = not charging, battery drained. Ideally it should charge at all rpms, but at the very least it should charge at 2500-4000rpm.

2. Get both battery and alternator tested at an auto parts store. Might as well retest the alt while you're there. Sometimes issues come and go. Replace any defective parts, save the warranty (alternators are a gamble).

3. Get a multimeter. Remove negative battery terminal (the thing that connects to the battery). Set multimeter to amps/current. Measure the current between negative battery post (on the battery) and the (disconnected) negative battery terminal. It should be a few mA or zero, no more. Otherwise pull fuses one by one until the current goes away. Check the name of the last fuse you pulled, this will tell you where the drain is. Start with the fuses under the dash, on the drivers side. Then do the ones in the engine bay.
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Old May 1, 2008 | 01:33 AM
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got it fixed, some bad connections and some shady grounds... time to make this cars interior amazing!
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Old May 11, 2008 | 10:00 PM
  #23  
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okay so my battery died again, i hate trying to figure out the previous owners shitty wiring jobs! where should i start this time lol.
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Old May 12, 2008 | 08:41 AM
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1. Shut all doors & turn off all accessories
2. Hook an ammeter in series with the negative battery cable
3. Read measurement

You have a short if the current draw is higher then about 50mA.
Start pulling fuses until you locate the faulty circuit.
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