hi, i have just bought an 83 townace in nz but am having problems with flat battery in the mornings. once up and running, it restarts no problem so something appears to be running down the battery during long hours of none use. has anybody any ideas. i will be heading to a garage in a week for some expertise but any ideas would be appreciated. connor

- (#13175) Connor Lomax, 3 Sep 04 22:28

Connor. A long shot here but, if the battery is in reasonable condition, the only way it can run down in such a short time as overnight, is because, somewhere on the circuits, current is flowing. You can test by disconnecting the battery at night and re-connecting on start up in the morning or, with a meter, check for current flow with everything switched off.
In the archives you will see references to the ignition switch and the "accessories" position. With a fairly old vehicle, and a worn ignition switch, even with the key removed, the accessories circuit, ie, the first postion when the key is turned, can still be "live". Careful examination of the ignition switch and a check when the key is removed, might reveal that this is the fault and, perhaps, some accessory, ie, radio, etc, is still taking a small amount of current.

- (#13175) John Davis (Leics), 4 Sep 04 02:16

When you turn off and pull the key out, is the ign. switch at "acc" or "lock"? When the keys wear, it's possible to pull them out in "acc", with some circuits (clock etc) still energised.
Any interior lights staying on?

Although it IS possible that the battery is the problem. Best to have it tested.

But here's a Q. Is it petrol or diesel, and how are you ascertaining the battery is flat? the common "voltage drop issue" regarding the starter has similar symptoms...

- (#13175) David Miller, 4 Sep 04 02:21

If you can find somebody with a meter get them to test the batery for you.if the reading on the meter reads 10 Volts it means that you have an internal short circuit.(ISC).That means that one of your cells is useless and cannot be repaired it means a new Battery.Hope this helps.

- (#13175) Liam, 5 Sep 04 05:49