Car: Optima Redtop relocated to driver bin with 0 gauge cable and 2 breakers w/remote jumper terminals in engine bay



Issue: When ignition turned to "start" slow or no turnover, interior lights fully bright in "on" position.



1. Battery dead. Replaced battery, tried to start it again and the same condition is there, car being jumped as well.



2. Found current drain in headlight retractor circuit killing battery, pulled the fuse. voltage now reads normal at all points in starting circuit.



3. Charged battery, try again, same condition, car being jumped as well.



4. Pull ignition switch, checked continuitys Vs. FSM, checked out good.



5. Same condition with car being jumped.



6. Replace starter with known good unit, now not even a slow turnover.



I've also checked that there are no shorts in any of the wiring and that everything is hooked up properly, battery terminals tight, breakers flowing.



I'm at a loss as to what to check. Ideas?

 

To calarify this isn't a battery relocation problems question. The car has run fine since I relocated the battery. I was looking for suggestions as for what else to check, since I've exahusted the FSM troubleshooting ideas.

 

The starter, take it off and have it tested.

 

Ground issue.

 

so no parasitic drain, with a slow or no start condition, and batteries dying left and right?



how's the alternator?

 

Battery was dying before I found the current drain from the headlight retractor. Started tested perfect.

I'll take a look at the alternator and see if its slowing things down.

I was also going to see if I couldn't try re-wiring the power and ground for a more direct shot, even though it reads a great 13-14 volts at the starter.

 

just put a v8 in it

 

But I like wanting to sell my joy every month or so!!

 

PERHAPS THE ENGINE IS TIGHT?