If I unplug the orange maybe red wire from the positive battery terminal it stays charged. Anyone know where that wire goes. My chilton wiring diagram does not show it.

 

That orange wire feeds body power to a at least the ECM and fuel pump, and probably several other circuits. If you can remove the wire and install an ammeter in series with the circuit, the standing (parasitic) current can be measured. About 35-50 mA is normal for radio preset and ECM maintenance power. If you discover higher parasitic current, begin by removing fuses one at a time from the circuits which are always live, such as the ECM/IGN, STOP/HAZ, CTSY, INST LPS, etc. until you can isolate which circuit(s) is drawing the higher current. Don't overlook the horn relay, alternator field/regulator, and any aftermarket devices.

 

Thanks for the reply. I did a loss test and found a door switch for the courtesy light not closing. There is still 0.58 amp loss with no radio in the car. Is that acceptable?
Probably should have posted this in electronics feel free to move it. Thanks again.

 

580 mA is too high, by at least an order of magnitude. Over the course of several days the battery would be depleted. 500 mA may be a relay being held closed. Is there an alarm or remote start system on the vehicle? Does the horn operate? Even though there is no radio, is there any other aftermarket audio equipment?

At your recommendation, I'll move this.

 

My horn works. No aftermarket parts including audio. No remote start. I do not know about the alarm, there is a box in the convenience center marked audio/alarm.

I will try the hatch motor and possibly power antenna, whats the best way to get at the antenna. The car should be drawing no more than 260ma correct?

 

Hatch motor checks out good. Am avoiding the antenna it looks like to much fun.
Possible other contributing factors- my gas gauge is pegged out only 5gals in tank- oil gauge is pegged rises when running- power windows are very slow sometimes stopping completely- blower motor comes on when it decides.

EDIT- The window motor on the driver side is just weak passenger works fine.

 

Take the car at night to a very dark place and see if a light is on. You can also use your power accessories like radio, windows etc and see if any of them throw a spark. This will let you know of an electrical problem.

 

I got a chance to check the car at night and could not find anything. I am going to try the loss test again when I have more time. currently battling fitment issues on another car with pst and their customer service.