Electrical short in 2001 Pontiac Montana?

[mark h]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Montana. The battery is not holding a charge past 24 or so hours. I'll take it to a local parts store to check the battery, but I suspect there may be a short somewhere. I don't have any experience with a multimeter/altimeter, so trying to figure it out on my own is probably too much to ask. If the battery is good (and I know the alternator is good because it runs fine once it starts and starts fine within several hours of it being driven)...what am I looking at as far as what a mechanic will charge to find and repair the short? I know there is no guaranteed answer as it all depends on the exact situation (some things are easy to find and fix, others aren't)...but does anyone have a general idea? $200...$500...more?? Also, if it is going to be expensive, any chance a novice like me would be able to figure any of it out?

 

[melsg5]

what is the voltage reading at the battery with the engine running and with the engine off?

 

[2000MONTANA,MI]

Short In Dash Found

Yep I Found A Blue Multipin Connector Behind Heater Controls Beneth The Radio The Metal Pin Touchin The Screws In This Compartment,unbelivable,this Was Also Causing The Indicator On The Reciric Button And The Blower Fans Frony N Rear Would Run When Key Was Off If Switch Was In Any Position Except Off They Would Shut Off But Battery Would Be Dead Every Mornin,im Havn Problems Wit Power Seats N Power Door Stopd Workin,oh Yea,the Middle 30amp Circuit Breaker Was Super Hot Taped Connect Up/off Wutever N Battery Holds Charge N Circuit Breaker Cool But No Power Seats Or Door Usta Work I Changed Bcm[body Control Module]well Somebody Did It Also Very Obvious Glove Box Broke Up Bcm Hangin Not Monted Anymore N I Have Been Readin Bcm Needs Ta Be Reprogramed But Info Is Of Questionable Source