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This is an ongoing problem on my 1983 Subaru Legacy GT station wagon. It has a 5-month old battery in good condition. If the battery positve lead is disconnected and then touched to the battery post, a click can be heard from a relay or solenoid on the right side (driver's side) of the engine compartment.
The auto electrician who has now charged me over $1,000 to try fixing the discharge, including a $900 alternator rebuild, claims it is the ABS system and cannot be altered - I have my doubts.
I've had the alarm and radio/tape player disconnected . The radio/tape appears to be a replacement. There is also a turbo timer fitted - usually turned off. These items all appear to be after-market.
If a test meter/ammeter is put in the circuit, there is a continuous discharge of about 150 milliamps with everything turned off - all interior lights included.
Any thoughts, please?
The 'click' could well be a normal condition especially if no dash warning lights are staying on once the engine has started.
We have struck the scenario where a relay stays switched on intermittently (due to sticking contacts within the relay) causing the battery to drain. In these cases you normally hear or see an electrical component working when it shouldn't.
For example, the radiator electric fan may be operating constantly (at times) even with the ignition switched off which will quickly drain the battery when sitting stationary for long periods.
I guess the boot light has been checked.
It may be worth a call to your local Subaru dealer to see if they have ever struck this problem.
If you still have confidence in your auto electrician then you need to ask what other ideas they have or industry contacts they may be able to talk to.
If the confidence levels are dropping you may need to take the car elsewhere for a second opinion.
Thanks, Jack. I have long lost confidence in the particular auto electrician..
I had thought of having a relay fitted in the battery main lead, operated by a hidden 'kill' switch under the dash - this would also give protection against theft, but might actually cost more than it was worth given the age of the car.
My current solution is to remove the battery pos. lead when the car is parked, and use a battery charger if necessary - or call the AA..
I'll obtain a second opinion, especially on the turbo timer.
BTW the car is 1993, not 1983 as I mistakenly stated..
Tks. Doug
I would avoid disconnecting and reconnecting the battery on a regular basis. Vehicles with on-board electronic components need to be kept alive and you run the risk of confusing the engine management system which can cause the engine dash warning light to stay on or the engine reverting to a limp mode status.
Best to try and find the cause of the problem rather than trying to find alternative ways not to drain the battery.