why does my Ford Explorer's battery die overnight when parked

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather tools: multimeter, wrench set, fuse puller, and basic hand tools.
• Ensure the vehicle is in a safe, well-lit area and the battery is disconnected before working on the electrical system.

2. Battery Replacement

1. Disconnect Battery
   • Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.
2. Remove the Old Battery
   • Unscrew any hold-down clamps and lift the battery out carefully.
   • Ensure to wear gloves to protect from battery acid.
3. Install New Battery
   • Place the new battery in the tray and secure it with hold-down clamps.
   • Connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.

3. Repair Electrical Draw

1. Identify and Repair Faulty Component
   • Use the multimeter to measure current draw; if over 50 mA, identify circuits causing the drain.
   • Inspect wiring and connections for shorts, and repair or replace as necessary.
2. Test Component Functionality
   • If a specific component, such as a relay or sensor, is identified as faulty, replace it according to manufacturer specifications.

4. Recheck System

• After repairs, recheck the current draw to ensure it is within acceptable limits (below 50 mA).
• Reconnect the battery and ensure all systems are functioning properly.