Re: [DML] Re: Door lock module contributing to battery drain

["DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxx>]

David is correct about fuse #12. Several years ago I developed a pre-wired
switch specifically to address this problem, click on the following link for
details: http://store.yahoo.com/dsvstore/batsav.html

DMC Joe

"We're here to help you"
Seasons Greetings!

DMC Help / De Lorean Services / <dmchelp@xxxx>
Web Site: <www.deloreanservices.com>

----- Original Message -----
From: <jtrealty@xxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2000 12:25 AM
Subject: [DML] Re: Door lock module contributing to battery drain


Normal on a Delorean is usually quite a bit more. The cause
> is the many diodes in circuit #12. It is true that a diode is like a
> "check valve" but it is a leaky one. Each one adds up to a large
> cumulative effect.They can also fail by getting more leaky not just
> open or shorted. If you are confident that you have a good
> battery(load test it) and that all of your electrical connections are
> good then the problem most likely is in circuit #12. If the battery
> is
> more than 4-5 years old and it has spent it's life 1/2 in storage and
> 1/2 being used it is probably not able to provide full capacity and a
> load test will show it. Also if there is a problem in the charging
> circuit and the battery is always undercharged it will shorten the
> life of the battery. Another source of this problem are the door
> switches. There is a rubber tip on them and with age or maybe it's no
> longer there the switch can make contact even with the doors closed.
> With the interior lights off you wouldn't see the door lights still
> on. The ultimate solution is to install a master switch with a bypass
> fused wire to the clock. Then at shows the doors can be left open and
> you don't have to worry about the battery. It is also a good theft
> deterrent if you get the one with a removable key.Most people
> unfamiliar with a Delorean would never find the battery let alone the
> master switch.If you have a measurable current in the door lock
> circuit there is a problem, it should not have a measurable draw.
> David Teitelbaum
> vin 10757 and yes I have a master switch with clock bypass.
> To properly check the source of the current drain put an ammeter on
> the battery positive connection and observe the total current draw.
> Now one at a time pull fuses. You will find that there is draw from
> more than 1 fuse but the major amount will be drawn by #12 the door
> and interior light circuit. Typically 10 m.a. is considered normal
> for
> a car sitting, it will take a month to discharge a good fully charged
> battery.

David Teitelbaum