something draining

[jkw017]

Hello all I am not sure but something may be draining my battery. I have a 05 base montana and I tried to start it and turned over really hard with a funny noise, with a battery I had in my 99 montana that came with the 99 van and I had that van for 6 years, after working fine for about 2 weeks. That battery was in there because the ac delco group 78 clicked and would not start the van. Not sure if that battery was original equipment because no dates were punched out. I do not want to spend a 100+ dollars on another battery if I only have something draining it. Is there a way I can test to see if there is a drain coming from somewhere. I charged the group 78 delco and now have that back in because the group 75 from the 99 van started the funny noise starting, I took the group 75 and charged it, it took the charge very quick so I am not sure how low that battery was, could there be something else. I am also the person who had the cd player problem well I took out 3 cds from a single player and now I cannot get the player to accept another, will not allow the cd to go all the way in, tries to read it then says check cd.
anybody anything thanks Joe

 

[Steelcity]

just guessing, try taking out the radio fuse over night and see if that helps. but sounds like you are trying to use a battery that is 6 yrs old? you can also take ur battery(s) to your local auto parts store and they can due a load test on them to see if they are any good. If money is tight and you need a new battery you could try a salvage yard and pick up a used one.

 

[jkw017]

thanks, I will take both batteries to be tested, they are both pretty old. I see walmart maxx78n has pretty good numbers also an exide looks about the same, just do not know the reserve mins on the exide

 

[Jack99]

Suggest fully charging the 12V battery, then parking the van for 5 days. Before walking away, disconnect either its "-" or its "+" cable (from the battery). Come back 5 full days later, connect the battery cable, then turn the engine key. If starter goes "click / click", then battery is self draining. If engine starts, repeat similar process. Except this time, leave battery cables connected and leave alone for 5 full days. If engine key goes "click / click", then something in the background (like internal minor short) is draining the battery (while sitting for 5 days - while battery is connected).

If wondering, vehicle batteries usually last 4-6 years. If no longer on warrant,y replacement battery can also be bought at Wall Mart / K-Mart type stores. One doesn't have to buy a replacement battery from a GM dealer (which usually charges higher prices). The WallMart lower cost battery in my boat works great.

When we bought our Montana Van "brand new", its battery would be drained in 5 days. After testing via disconnecting its battery cable, we discovered its Delco battery was "Self draining". They replaced with new battery and all was good. Thus, don't be surprised if a brand new battery has problems. Rare but it does happen.

Hope this helps.