Thread: Electrical drain

Even my 86 has relays hiding in strange places - it just appears they stashed more away as the years rolled on.

No idea what that really is for though - what doesn't work when you unplug it?

Clock???

Just a guess.

Or perhaps some other contact switches that work without ign feed.
under bonnet light?
remote central locking?
aftermarket butchery connected to the same switched circuit?

According to my manual, your pics look like the 1990MY footwell, except that the diagram doesn't match your relays by type or colour. So I'm guessing that you have a 1991MY on footwell. If so (relay/base),
1. The white/white relay is probably the Speed Buffer
2. The first yellow/yellow relay is probably the Sunroof (easy to check and if it is the cause of your battery drain, could either be a faulty relay or perhaps a faulty switch)
OR
3. Brake check (Australia) EDIT 1: This relay is activated when ignition is switched on as part of initial bulb check. I can't see it being activated by connecting the battery earth terminal.
4. The second yellow/yellow relay is probably Auxiliary Lamps (but note that the Load Shed relay is also yellow/yellow but would typically be situated lower in the panel below where your relays are.
The black/black relay confuses me. According to the manual the only petrol black relays are: Headlamp wash timer unit (in engine bay), Heated front screen relay, (1990MY behind steering column), Interior lamps (1991MY behind steering column). It looks like you have an empty white relay base. In the 1991MY on this had a grey relay for the Heated front screen timer. I'm pretty sure this is where mine is.

I see you are in Ballarat. I'm in Melbourne and I have a car stethoscope tool that is brilliant for tracking down noises. You are welcome to borrow it if you like.

EDIT 2: After thinking about this for a bit, I reckon the relay you are hearing is the Load Shed relay. It makes sense that it would activate upon connecting the earth terminal, but I admit to being out of my depth here. I also hear a click or two when I connect the battery, but have never really thought about it.

I've posted some screenshots from my etm.
Not sure if it will assist.
1990
Screen Shot 2016-02-03 at 8.01.47 am.jpgScreen Shot 2016-02-03 at 8.01.34 am.jpg

1991Screen Shot 2016-02-03 at 8.13.09 am.jpgScreen Shot 2016-02-03 at 8.14.02 am.jpg

1992Screen Shot 2016-02-03 at 8.14.45 am.jpg

one more pic to come

one more 1992:Screen Shot 2016-02-03 at 8.15.00 am.jpg

Thanks All,

according to the manual pages. It appears to be relay "17" air conditioner load relay..... I better stick the evaporator back in and see if the A/C still works. This wiring has been modified under the bonnet to run the serpentine belt disco V8. So it is entirely possible this will all just work without the relay in place.

seeya
Shane L.

It wouldn't be for the interior light would it........?

That should activate as soon as power is connected.......

Originally Posted by DEFENDERZOOK

It wouldn't be for the interior light would it........?

That should activate as soon as power is connected.......

Interior light still works with it unplugged