How to fix a power drain type problem on my '96 S14?

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Wed May 23, 2007 10:53 pm

Need some help here guys! When stopped my idle is very unstable, not exaggerating! Oil is fine, radiator is good, battery has been shaved, boost is set low. What could it be? :oops:

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Thu May 24, 2007 6:05 am

I'd begin by doing general, simple checks like looking for loose tubing, cracks, splits etc in the main connectors for turbo, intercooler, etc. plug leads are OK and in place.

jungle-jim · Post by **jungle-jim** » Thu May 24, 2007 6:07 am

have you done a drain test?

you need to put a set of meters on the terminals to establish if there is any voltage across the meters when everything is off and locked.

establish how much, and it could be possible to eliminate things.

common battery drain issues are.....

alarms
interior lights
clocks
stereo's

next step would be removing fuses to see if the drop dissapears.

you really need to make sure the battery is fully charged too.

get a charging check done to see if the CCA rating is holding up?

Post by **Ben** » Thu May 24, 2007 6:19 am

Bryan, you say this is since you fitted more powerful bulbs, does it idle badly when the lights are off?.

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Thu May 24, 2007 7:07 am

jungle-jim wrote:have you done a drain test?

you need to put a set of meters on the terminals to establish if there is any voltage across the meters when everything is off and locked.

establish how much, and it could be possible to eliminate things.

common battery drain issues are.....

alarms
interior lights
clocks
stereo's

next step would be removing fuses to see if the drop dissapears.

you really need to make sure the battery is fully charged too.

get a charging check done to see if the CCA rating is holding up?

I usually leave the elctrical problems up to engineers, I cannot seam to grasp electronics. :oops: I am a rip and strip kind of guy! If you know of anywhere I can get all of this done please let me know!

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Thu May 24, 2007 7:10 am

murano3 wrote:Bryan, you say this is since you fitted more powerful bulbs, does it idle badly when the lights are off?.

I actually noticed the problem during the day, so nothing there. :?

Post by **Ben** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:24 am

What actually makes you think it's electrical? ... i'd get it over to Gary (APT) for a look before you start throwing components at it ..

(Advice I give after spending

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:36 am

Great advise Ben, I will have a go at that first!

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:40 am

Does it start easy enough and/or does it?:
a) Turn over on key OK
b) Struggle to fire i.e. cough and splutter, .
c) coloured smoke from exhaust when it first fires
d) Once started does it run like it's down a cylinder.
e) If you hold the throttle pedal down a little, can it maintain a steady RPM?
f) Once warm, will it idle OK + a, b, c, d, & e

If you overlook the simple things it costs 8)

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:46 am

Gerry H wrote:Does it start easy enough and/or does it?:
a) Turn over on key OK
b) Struggle to fire i.e. cough and splutter, .
c) coloured smoke from exhaust when it first fires
d) Once started does it run like it's down a cylinder.
e) If you hold the throttle pedal down a little, can it maintain a steady RPM?
f) Once warm, will it idle OK + a, b, c, d, & e

If you overlook the simple things it costs 8)

a) yes, no struggle
b) when stopped
c) no
d) runs strong as long as its moving :lol:
e) very steady, no lag whatsoever
f) idles "ok", but not as it should...