| As some of you might remember, my battery is getting drained to the tune of 8 amps with the key out of the ignition, all doors closed, headlights off, and alarm system off. I had disconnected all the fuses and fusible links one by one without change to the current draw. My original post is here: [ http://twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/technical/view/1061044/HUGE-current-draw-when-car-is-off.html ] The suggestions were to check out the starter and alternator, which are (I'm told) not protected by fuses or links. This past weekend I got under the car and took a good look at the starter. It looked like there was a simple wire with connector going to the solenoid part of the starter, so after removing the oil filter, I disconnected that and saw no change to the current draw. I next removed the bottom engine cowl and took a look at the alternator. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to spot any wires or connectors from the underside of the car. Not much clearance between the cross brace and other stuff in the way. So after poking around for a while, I put the cowl back on without disconnecting any part of the alternator. Does anyone have any advice on how I can better test the alternator? (Or have any criticism for the simple check I did to the starter? In retrospect, the solenoid shouldn't be drawing much power even when engaged compared to the starter itself, but if the solenoid were stuck in a partially switched state allowing current flow through the starter, wouldn't it be continually trying to turn the motor over?) At this point, the battery is definitely bad. The max voltage I can get out of it is less than 11 volts. I have to disconnect it from the car to charge it of course, because the current draw is faster than my trickle charger provides. I vaguely suspect my alarm system, but I don't know where that thing is located (Alpine aftermarket alarm, installed before I owned the car). If I test the starter and alternator satisfactorily, then it must be either the alarm system or (nightmare) a rubbed wire shorting to the chassis, which could be located anywhere in the car. Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
- John
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