Dead battery

[ammonite]

I am nearly on the street with my restoration of a '78 but the battery is dead every morning. I am starting the process of looking for shorts. Where do I concentrate?

[akavinn1]

I have a similar problem I hear what sounds like a pump near the dash but can't figure out what it is it sounds like a mouse so for now I just put w battery cut off in the trunk and discovery the battery if I am not usend it for the day .

[azruss]

not much runs with the key off. try unplugging the clock. look at what kind of radio you have. could be some power draw there. may also be a bad battery.

[TX82FIAT]

Check ground pods and large ground strap. How old is your battery and how hot is your garage? Have you checked the volts across the battery terminal after starting up the car to see what the power is regulated at from the alternator. The radio could be hard wired but should only draw minimal electricity to maintain memory and possibly a clock. The clock draws minimal current as well. If you have a short to ground you would most likley blow a fuse when the car is in use. Do you have a wiring diagram? If not I'd get one as they can be a great help. Prior owners often change circuits to suit thier need or patch a problem.

a few years back a guy had his fuel pump drawing current even when the engine was off in an 80' spider based on a re-wire. You could hear the fuel pump if you listened closely when turning the key to the first ignition position.