ARB dual compressor - how can it kill my battery?

[tylerca]

The backstory: several time in the last two or so months my Bronco throws all kinds of codes from charging system maintenance required, towing not avail, four wheel drive malfunction, the voltmeter goes haywire and once the a/c quit for about 30 seconds. One time I got in and nothing - black screen and nothing, this time I popped the hood and wiggled the pos terminal and all ok. Took it to dealer and they said it was the battery and replaced it under warranty. An hour later, same issue with alerts, etc. Back at the dealer, after a day, they say it's my engine block heater (surely not - block heater isn't tied to battery, right?). they say they disconnected that and everything is great. I told them I would drive it and see if it was ok. That weekend I went to use air compressor and nothing - popped hood and saw they disconnected my air comp thinking that was block heater. So now I am trying to figure how my compressor could be draining battery? wired 100 percent according to instructions using aux switch 6. Any thoughts? sorry for the long explanation, looking for answers....

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[RoverDude]

You have a Cause (air compressor)
You have a Result dead battery / battery drain.

What you have not indicated is any diagnoses of the how this is happening.
Have you disconnected all wiring to compressor (including aux wring)
Have you ohmed out the wires?
Check the continuity.
Verified there is no wire damage (even the smallest nick)
Confirmed no damage to connectors?
Confirmed NO (Zero) current draw when not in use?
Confirmed that no OTHER wires have been damaged or have damaged.

How are the wires terminated and secured / supported?

Other then speculation to issue, there are vast ways battery drain can happen.
Basic trouble shooting skills, a goodish meter are need to pin point location the issue.
Confirm there is a current (unintended) draw is first step.
Then the location!

 

[4x4TruckLEDs.com]

The backstory: several time in the last two or so months my Bronco throws all kinds of codes from charging system maintenance required, towing not avail, four wheel drive malfunction, the voltmeter goes haywire and once the a/c quit for about 30 seconds. One time I got in and nothing - black screen and nothing, this time I popped the hood and wiggled the pos terminal and all ok. Took it to dealer and they said it was the battery and replaced it under warranty. An hour later, same issue with alerts, etc. Back at the dealer, after a day, they say it's my engine block heater (surely not - block heater isn't tied to battery, right?). they say they disconnected that and everything is great. I told them I would drive it and see if it was ok. That weekend I went to use air compressor and nothing - popped hood and saw they disconnected my air comp thinking that was block heater. So now I am trying to figure how my compressor could be draining battery? wired 100 percent according to instructions using aux switch 6. Any thoughts? sorry for the long explanation, looking for answers....

What kit are you using? If it's our kit (KR Off-Road) my follow-up question is are you using our switch bracket next to the compressor also?

Reason I ask is IF you are, did you accidently leave the air compressor TURNED ON, which will naturally kill the battery.

A lot of customers don't realize they leave their air compressors on, because the pressure switch inside the compressor turns off the pump. So they don't hear it, and think it's off. HOWEVER the compressor is still drawing power at that point.

If the switch is OFF, then the compressor has no power draw.

Sooooo that could tell you a lot right there.

Also, do you use the air compressor with the truck turned OFF or always on? you have to leave the truck running to use the air compressor.

 

[CalvinT]

The dealer is an idiot. You're right, the block heater has a 120 v AC plug. It's not connected to your electrical system.

You screwed up somewhere when working on your electrical system. What was the last thing you did before your Bronco started throwing codes? I'd look there first. Check any grounds. The problem with the compressor may be a symptom of a problem somewhere else.

Did you follow the Ford guidelines for connecting electrical accessories?

Make sure you connected the ground to the right place. Not directly to the battery terminal. There's a blank place on the ground terminal for wires.

 

[tylerca]

It is the dual compressor and bracket from Ford Performance and has been on the vehicle a year - no issues. Connected vis aux swith 6, which is always off unless actually using. The unit was installed exactly, step by step using instructions. No probs for a year! I will have tile over the weekend to check everything closer, just wondering if anyone had issues like this. I know a wire may have frayed, come loose, etc. butagain, zippo probs for a year
I appreciate the tips and will go thru the checks withmthem inmind

 

[tylerca]

The dealer is an idiot. You're right, the block heater has a 120 v AC plug. It's not connected to your electrical system.

You screwed up somewhere when working on your electrical system. What was the last thing you did before your Bronco started throwing codes? I'd look there first. Check any grounds. The problem with the compressor may be a symptom of a problem somewhere else.

Did you follow the Ford guidelines for connecting electrical accessories?

Make sure you connected the ground to the right place. Not directly to the battery terminal. There's a blank place on the ground terminal for wires.

Ground to the firewall now with another existing lead - ould problematic?

 

[CalvinT]

Ground to the firewall now with another existing lead - ould problematic?

That should be good.

 

[Rspayde]

I have the same set up and have not yet had an issue. I even had to rig up the up fitter switch connection ( but I got the mount and compressor for free so can't really complain there).

 

[4x4TruckLEDs.com]

Isn't there a known recall on these trucks where some of them have a drain on the battery? Are you sure that's not your issue, where you are part of that recall?

 

[wgw]

The backstory: several time in the last two or so months my Bronco throws all kinds of codes from charging system maintenance required, towing not avail, four wheel drive malfunction, the voltmeter goes haywire and once the a/c quit for about 30 seconds. One time I got in and nothing - black screen and nothing, this time I popped the hood and wiggled the pos terminal and all ok. Took it to dealer and they said it was the battery and replaced it under warranty. An hour later, same issue with alerts, etc. Back at the dealer, after a day, they say it's my engine block heater (surely not - block heater isn't tied to battery, right?). they say they disconnected that and everything is great. I told them I would drive it and see if it was ok. That weekend I went to use air compressor and nothing - popped hood and saw they disconnected my air comp thinking that was block heater. So now I am trying to figure how my compressor could be draining battery? wired 100 percent according to instructions using aux switch 6. Any thoughts? sorry for the long explanation, looking for answers....

Hook it back up and see if it’s drawing current, when sitting in normal off condition, if so that the culprit….

 

[rayofsi]

Theres a relay on the compressor, possible drain on battery when they go bad.

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