Power issue.

[Swank1975]

So I keep having a low volt issue when starting the Rover. Here's what I've already done.

1) Test run with battery disconnected to test alternator. It's putting out 14.3 volts when running.
2) Tested current draw with digital multi meter. I have found a 300MA draw with all doors shut and the dome light it out, lights turned off, etc. I've found this draw to be split almost 50/50 between the central locking fuse and the dome light circuit fuse (the dome light fuse also handles radio memory and the clock)
3) Taken rig back to Advanced auto parts and had them test the battery as it's a 1 year old Optima Red Top. They said the battery was ok and I needed to test the alternator.
4) Parked the rover with the 2 fuses that make up the 300MA draw pulled and still had hard starts even though there's been no draw on the battery.

I've heard stories about Optima batteries having some issues. Could it be an internal draw on the battery causing it to lose charge over night?

[JandDGreens]

Are the voltage drop issues showing in your dashgauge?
Or are you experaincing a lack of
power in your accesaries (dim lights, fans not running at correct power).
I have similar concerns with my system because when as I turn on lights
and heater, fan, a/c my voltage meter in the dash drops from 13-10 or 11
I went ahead and bought heavier gauge wire cables (kit) for the charging,
ground, starter. When my son did his big 3 it helped but for me it made
no difference. I would take ur rig down and have it tested with all the accessories.
I did that just before my trip to Moab and everything was in working order.
knock on wood I have not had any issues so far as long as when I use a
heavy voltage draw I have the engine running like winch or air compressor.

[Eagle6]

Do you have add on accessories? Have you done any work under the hood or under the dash? I would look for an accessory wire that may have gotten crimped and is grounding out.

[Swank1975]

I do not have any add on accessories. The + cable from the battery to the starter is brand new and nice and heavy. The engine has like 4 ground wires and the ground wire to the battery is in great shape. It was all cleaned up and checked when I had the engine out. I have not seen any voltage issues when it's running. Lights, buzzers, accessories all work fine when running.

I'm going to pull the battery charge it, measure the voltage, record that, then give it like 8-24 hours to see if the cell drops voltage on it's own recording the voltage as it goes.

[JandDGreens]

Do you have a dead battery when it sits to long? My sons Xj had a perasitic draw
that would drain the battery? We tracked it down to the cercit that the over head
lights are a part of. Pulled the fuse for now since it doesn’t interfere with anything
Critical

[Swank1975]

I found a 300MA parasitic draw that was from the 2 fuses listed above. Even when they have been pulled it would still struggle to restart on the next day.

[JandDGreens]

Man the one thing I hate are electrical gremlins!! They are so hard to find and remedy! I still have a hard time starting the XJ. (Sons '95) As the ignition switch is bad it.

[Patrolman]

I would test the battery voltage after sitting overnight, but before starting it. You should see 12 on the lower end to 12.5 volts. That should give you some insight to the battery health. I would also pull one of the battery cables overnight and see if that makes a difference - the 300ma draw doesn't sound like a lot, but it could be enough given enough time.