Questions and Answers

Saturn SC2 Is Killing Batteries Q. I have a 1993 Saturn SC2 manual transmission. Something's killing the battery while the car is off. Sometimes after driving it and car turned off, it will not start again. This is an intermittent problem. Saturn dealership ran diagnostic, could not duplicate the problem.

I noticed that when I recharge the battery and try to reconnect it, it has a clicking noise at the post as through something was drawing from the battery. New alternator, new battery. Same problem. Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

A. Hooking up the cable will cause a spark due to all the modules powering up. There is a tool that is installed between the negative cable and the battery. It's a big shut-off switch. When the switch is closed, all is normal. With a ammeter installed on the battery post and the other side of the switch, all the amps are going through the meter.

All the doors must be closed and all loads turned off or the meter will overload and blow fuse. There should only be 5 to 30 milliamps after all things go to sleep.

Electrical Troubleshooting: Part 1