Cause of a battery drain-1981

[mikejpss]

Question for those that have experienced a battery drain in an 81 model-
I have read a discussion on this site before of the causes that drain a battery, can not remember those suspect items.

What is the most probable cause of this event? I installed a new battery 10 days ago, because the old one went kapoot, now the new one is dead. Am sure the new battery is good.

One note here, is that 2 weeks ago I noticed my courtesy lights stayed on for 5-7 minutes after the doors were closed AND the motor was running (they're suppose to go out with the engine on).

Was wondering what the most probable cause is for the dead battery, but would like to hear ALL the potential causes.
Thanks in advance to everyone. Mike J.
;help

 

[atmmac]

alternator, voltage regulator, check those first!

 

[mikejpss]

atmmac-
those are both "brand new" , but I'll put them on the list to check.
Thanks a bunch- happy holidays to you. Mike J.:s

 

[atmmac]

Thanks mike. If you just replaced them then those probably arent the problem. Is it possible that when you replaced the alternator you put one in that is not putting out enough amps? thats the only thing i can think of. As far as the courtesy lights go make sure they are not left on by checking your switch on your dash to dim and brighten your dash lights. That has happened to me before.

 

[81LT4]

current draw

If you have no ashtray lighter, make sure you have no coins in its place. That will make a slow draw. This is the most tricky one!!!
Took me a while to figue this one out.

 

[Halon]

Cause of battery drain

I had the same problem and look all over for a good source if info like this one. My problem was intermittent, and finally figured it our one day while I was waxing it. At the left rear quarter I could hear a cyclic relay about every 5 seconds. Turned out to be the retracable antenna. I'm in the process of replacing it now. Hope this helps. Halon

 

[mikejpss]

Halon, b 4 you replace the antenna assembly, send me an email. I can put you on a repair kit for less tha $30 to repair the one you have-simple to do and works like new.

sowtrout@eatel.net

Mike J.

 

[glaso81]

My battery also was draining until I asked how to fix my defogger, after finding a melted plug in to the fuse panel and repairing it,thus fixing the defogger my battery drain stopped-thanks to this wonderful registry I killed two birds with one stone.