Hello, I am having problems trying to find where there is a draw on my power, I think I have a code 21 and 53 but am not sure because I used the paper clip method to read them. My car will start on a fast charge or if I cross the starter to the alternator but the car will die in a few hours if not running, I have tested the fuses under the dash. I think it is the VATS system but can there be a short in the ignition cylinder that would cause me to lose power?

 

first thing i would try doing is check all the fuses in your fuse box probly by pulling them out at 1 at a time and checking to see how much current passes through the circuit using an AM meter anything that reads a number greater than 0 is drawing some current

Some current draw is perfectly fine if your battery is dieing that fast your looking for a High CURRENT DRAW or more than one

 

Acadburn, not to high jack anyones thread could you define "high" I have about the same problem. Thanks!

 

are you sure you have a good battery?

also, check your alternator to make sure it is actually recharging your battery.

did you install a new stereo? make sure that it goes off when you turn off the car.

 

your battery sounds like it has a dead cell.
a battery with a dead cell takes a long time to charge. will shows more than 12 volts. but once you do a load test will usually drop down to below 9 volts.
take the battery out and take it to atuozone to be tetsted for free!

 

if you are positive you have a dead battery start checking for a parasidic draw. If you don't know how to do that let me know and I'll talk you through it.

 

The thing about the battery is, it is only 2 1/2 weeks old and the battery before that only lasted a month. Im not sure how to check for a draw other than with a test light, I tested the fuses with an AM meter and found one that never reached zero (the numbers kept jumping and never stayed in one spot) It was the PWR ACC fuse if that helps at all. Ill have to get back to this thread in a week as some D**k wad stole some engine parts only god knows how!

 

Yeah, thats sacramento for ya.