Battery drain/dead problem

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Old Feb 21, 2011 | 08:26 PM
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JNC995's Avatar
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From: Fayetteville, NC
Battery drain/dead problem

So I've been having this problem to where if I leave my truck for about 3 weeks, it is always completely dead when I return. Thought it was due to a bad connection with the battery terminal. But, I have since got that fixed and I just returned from three weeks away, and truck is completely dead. I'm guessing I have something constantly draining the battery while I'm away, but no idea what. Only two electric things I've done are a PHP tuner, and installed electric seats (lightning seats).

Anyone else experienced a similar problem with there things? My battery is an optima red top if that makes any difference.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2011 | 08:36 PM
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The Gryphon should be unplugged if the truck is going to sit
 
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Old Feb 21, 2011 | 11:13 PM
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From: In the fast lane from LA to Tokyo...
Cheapest solution is just unplug the Gryphon when it sits...
Or
You can invest in a battery tender....
Solar powered if the truck sits outside or plug in style if it sits in the garage...
 
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Old Mar 9, 2011 | 09:12 PM
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Had the exact same problem the past three months with my 98 and it when i took it to the shop they said it was my edge evolution programer, so now if i ever let my truck sit i just unplug it. i just had this done last week so im still kind of skeptical but my truck will be sitting all next week so that will be the big test.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2011 | 09:30 PM
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Yea, I'm thinking/hoping that was the cause. I unplugged it, and left it unplugged while I drove around the first couple days back. Battery charged fine, and no problems since.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 01:23 PM
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From: Among javelinas and scorpions in Zoniestan
The older monochrome Edge/Gryphon pulls a constant 0.05 Amps when off to power it's "keep alive" memory. Over a 24-hour period, that pulls 1.2 Amps out of your battery. The truck's circuits also have up to a constant 0.05 Amp draw depending on your trim level. So, in my case, that means 2.4 Amps disappear each day that the truck sits. A battery is considered fully discharged when it loses 50 Amps as I recall. At 2.4 Amps/day, you have a dead battery in 21 days (three weeks).

I use a "Battery Minder".

- Jack
 
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 02:42 PM
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Jack,

that explains a lot. In addition to that I have an Ipod and Garmin plugged in, and my batter goes faster than 21 days. I too have resorted to a battery minder.
 
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