Need some help. Battery is randomly being drained while not in use. About a 1.5 months ago, my '97 F-150 5.4L would not start. Jumped it (in major cold winter blast) and let it warm up for a few. After about 20 minutes, it stalled and would not start on it's own. Since this occurred while running, I assumed the alternator was bad and took it out to have it replaced. It was tested and was fine. Jumped the truck again and started fine for about a month and a half. Randomly the other day, I went out to start it and the battery was completely dead. So I assumed the battery must be bad as it isn't holding a charge. Took it in to be tested and it was fine. I then checked to see if there is a draw from somewhere by turning everything off and touching the positive terminal to the post. Definitely a spark there. So there is a current draw coming from somewhere, but all connections seem clean and tight. Ford dealer has it now, but can't find anything either. Any thoughts or suggestions???

 

Mine had the same problem, it was the starter solenoid drawing energy all the time

 

my 97 is doing the same thing now, I have narrowed it down to the 15 amp audio fuse in the fuse box under the hood, but cant seem to find whats causing it, unhooked the cd changer and all connection to the head unit.it got dark on me last night, so had to quit on it...... get someone to help you and disconnect neg cable from batt and hook a test light to the disconnected terminal and put the test light on the neg post, while you watch the light (will be lit if there is a pull) start pulling fuses, when the light goes out , you'll have it narrowed down. good luck. hope that helps you.

 

Thanks, just got word back from Ford dealership and they can't find the problem either. It seems to be intermittent. What kind of test light are you speaking of? I seen this on other posts, but am not certain what a "test light" is...My apologies for my ignorance!

 

I meant to say I have seen this, not I seen this. I am ignorant, but not so ignorant I can't speak intelligently

 

looks like an icepick with a clear screwdriver handle with a light bulb in it, 1 wire coming out with an alligator clip attached. I forgot to tell you that the light will be dim and pulsating due to the computer and such, but if you have a draw it will be brighter untill you pull the bad circuit. this can be a bitch to find sometimes. gl

 

They sell the test lights at auto parts stores, there pretty inexpensive.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Will give it a shot.