NermalSnert (Forum Supporter)
NermalSnert (Forum Supporter) Dork
11/14/24 6:33 p.m.

2000 Miata. I have a 1.7 amp draw on the battery with the doors shut and the key out. I posted SWMBO at the trunk to watch my meter while I unplugged each fuse one at a time. Did the under hood fuses and relays as well. Any ideas? Could it be the alternator?

1988RedT2
1988RedT2 MegaDork
11/14/24 7:07 p.m.

Does it time out after the door has been shut for a couple minutes?

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/14/24 7:18 p.m.

Something from the back catalog that might help: How to solve common electrical issues with only a test light.

NermalSnert (Forum Supporter)
NermalSnert (Forum Supporter) Dork
11/14/24 7:25 p.m.

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

No. It will drain the battery over night.

NermalSnert (Forum Supporter)
NermalSnert (Forum Supporter) Dork
11/14/24 7:26 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

"If you have key-off battery drain, connect the test light in series with one of the battery posts. If the light glows, there’s a drain. Start disconnecting circuits until you find the one that turns off the light—there’s the problem."

I've got my meter between the neg. battery post and the disconnected neg. cable.

porschenut
porschenut Dork
11/15/24 7:38 a.m.

Disconnect the alternator and see.  Also might be a partially disconnected alarm system someone put in.  Since you did all the stock fuses look around for an inline fuse under the dash, engine compartment, etc.

NermalSnert (Forum Supporter)
NermalSnert (Forum Supporter) Dork
11/15/24 8:43 a.m.

In reply to porschenut :

Going to check that today. The Bose head unit has been replaced and there's no telling what kind of janked up wiring I'll find. I plan to pull the dash soon and get rid of the old Bose amp.

Edit: It's not the alternator.

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