924Board.org

[Guest]

From: Robb D
Email: dcpitza@hotmail.com
Date: 28 Feb 2000
Time: 12:50:55

I live in Washington, D.C. and have a 1982 924. There is a drain on the battery and I don't know where to begin to try and establish the leak.

Would it be to my advantage to sell the car or invest in repairing the electrical system. I have approximately $750.00 invested and estimate an additional $2,000.00 before the car is comfortable to drive. Although in good condition (no rust, solid frame, engine runs, brakes, exhaust, tranny okay) the car will need new shocks, tune up, general cleaning and other minor repairs.

My goal is to get the car to the point where I can drive it back and forth to work and I don't care how the car looks (sun dried vinyl and dull faded paint don't bother me).

What should I do? Is there a mechanic in D.C. that would love a project like this? If I were to attempt to fix the car myself, what kind of hell can I expect? Of course, time is always at a premium and I'm broke.
Is there any hope for me (and my car).

Thanks in advance,

Robb D.

[Guest]

From:
Email:
Date: 28 Feb 2000
Time: 13:45:28

Are you mechanically inclined? You will have to get you a test light or a volt meter and a haynes manual, or goto the library and photo copy the wiring diagram just for your year.

The only units which should recieve power while the key is off is the clock and radio if it is the type with elctronic tuning. You'll need to remove one of the battery terminals. When you do lightly brush it agaisnt the battery post just see if there is a large drain or small drain, it may spark a little. This will help you decide to look at the larger amp circuits first. One way or the other you check all the circuits. Well with the test unit check for voltage across the disconnectd battery and the battery hook up. You will see voltage or the test light will glow. You can then start by pulling the clock fuse and check the current at the battery. Do this with the radio. You will probably have some current still, if you have a drain some where. Start pulling one fuse at a time unitl you eliminate the current flow at the battery. When the light or meter does nothing you have found the circuit which has the drain. Sometimes it will be a sticky relay or a pinched wire. You will have to trace that circuit somehow to where it goes. Patience and you can find the drain. If the circuit has a relay tap the relay with a screwdriver handle and see if the drain goes away. It helps to have a helper or you can find a test unit which will buzz when the circuit is live and stop when it is dead.

Most of the shorts will be in the radio area where some one has wired in a after market radio and/or amp.

[Guest]

From: techno@angelfire.com
Email: techno@angelfire.com
Date: 28 Feb 2000
Time: 15:01:19

well according to kelley blue book any 924 not over 20 years old is basically not worth much to them in the book, after 20 it has classic value and investing would be a smart idea if your gonna keep that 82 for a couple more years then sell it. As far as your battery leak goes, I would suggest getting a Dry Cell battery and then your battery problems will be solved for good!

[Guest]

From: techno@angelfire.com
Email: techno@angelfire.com
Date: 28 Feb 2000
Time: 15:01:56

well according to kelley blue book any 924 not over 20 years old is basically not worth much to them in the book, after 20 it has classic value and investing would be a smart idea if your gonna keep that 82 for a couple more years then sell it. As far as your battery leak goes, I would suggest getting a Dry Cell battery and then your battery problems will be solved for good!

[Guest]

From: Robb D
Email: dcpitza@hotmail.com
Date: 29 Feb 2000
Time: 04:12:06

Thanks for your help!! I have the Haynes manual but circuit drawings are all greek to me. Your procedure sounds simple enough albeit time consuming. Perhaps I can send the wife on a cruise? :-)

I appreciate all the advice. No doubt I'll be back with more Q's.

Robb D.