Short?

Hi Pete,

As you have been learning, Cords are full of mysteries... and they have a tendency to invent new ones just to keep you on your toes.

First question is how much discharge was on the amp meter when you switched on the battery? I'm assuming the ignition key was in the off position so there can only be a few things that could cause this.

If it is only a little bit it may be the clock trying to wind itself. You can pull the fuse to check. Also make sure the contacts aren't frozen together.

Another possibility is what I call the "balance" of the ammeter. I've seen these move slightly when voltage is applied to them even through there is no current flow (at least none I could find).

If the meter was pegged I'd start running for the fire extingusher (but it doesn't sound like it).

Have you tried it again to see if you have the same problem?

If the draw is more then slight you can start removing one wire at a time on the back of the ammeter to see which one is giving you the draw and trace it from there.

Regarding the startix - It gets wet! (I know you don't need wise cracks) But how did it get wet sitting in the garage all winter? There are parts in there that will rust and corrode if you get water in it. It sounds like it's working so get out and drive it some to get some exersise and it will be fine (or more problems will show up).

Have Fun

Jim

Batteries discharge over long period, without beeing hoocked up ( switch turned off ) i guess you didn't use a tricklecharger , to mentain positiv level of batterie charge ? I would suggest to disconnect batterie entierly from any connections to the car, better remove from car; open the plugs in the batterie, check if level of batterieacid is above the leadelements, if not add enough add DISTILLED WATER ( in case of maintenaince free batteries continiue directley here ) then charge it at the slowest rate with your charger with OPEN Plugs ( otherwise danger can happen and remind batterieacid is very HARMFUL to skin, eyes lungs and paintwork ) if after 24 houers no positiv charge is visible or white powder arround the positiv and negative poles then most likley the batterie is gone ( dead ).
Batteries from " Optima " are good quality ( mine has lasted now 6 years ) without trouble ( i have no shares from Optima ) This is my two cents and if anyone knows better advise, please let us know. <!-- s:wink: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s:wink: -->

Gents- It never ends.... 2241H has been good for the past year, but the other day I went out to the garage to move the car over so I could adjust the driver's door latch and, upon clickling the battery switch the ammeter showed "discharge" without turning anything on or turning the ignition key! When I turned the battery circuit on I heard a quiet "click" I think is coming from the regulator. Yet I turned the key on (it now has a start position for testing other components which has worked flawlessly for a year) and the engine started, the tail lights worked, brake lights, dash lights and horn all worked fine; it shifted perfectly. I gently felt all the wiring for any hot circuits, but everything seems O.K.
This is yet another mystery which I can't figure out. Anyone have any ideas or experiences that would help?
By the way, if water gets into the Startix does anything happen?

Pete Rhoads, sitting native style, staring at the Cord.