500Ohmn earth leakage

[handi_andi]

Hi all
I have just wired the boot light back in with a new modern switch and the previous owner having removed the bulb I put the multimeter bulbs across the terminals and was delighted to see 12v. I then pushed the button and was surprised to see it only drop to 6v instead of zero. Thinking that there could be a short on the fitting I disconnected the leads and continuity checked it and there wasn't anything. I then checked, tith the battery disconnected, the continuity from the door light feed to earth and found a 500ohmn continuity with the front doors shut. This would explain why my battery has a habit of goign flat and why I leave it disconnected, anyone got any ideas as to where the 500ohmn short could be, designed or not designed. The boot light feed is taken off the purple feed to the interior lights as per drawing M58.
Thanks
Andy

[tower of strength]

why not run a feed with an inline fuse. direct off the battery?

mark

[handi_andi]

Mark
I could do, however, I am more concerned about the leakage as it happens even with it disconnected. Looking through the file that came with her this isn't a new problem as I have a receipt that talks about looking for why the battery goes flat. So I suspect that this isn't something new but can not work out what would be giving such a leak. The clock is sat on the kitchen worktop at the moment, so its not leaking through it and I can not think of anything else that would give a continuous draw on the battery unless I am missing something on the wiring diagrams. All the switches are off as is the ignition. So think we are talking about some sort of short just have no idea where, unless one would get a short across the alternator normally, really should unplug it and recheck which I will do once I have finished replumbing the vacum circuit for the headlamps to bring the T-piece out from under the car up to inside the engine bay which is a more logical location fot it and much easier to work on.
Cheers
Andy

[john.p.clegg]

Andy
Start with a multi-meter(set on milliamps)fitted in line with the battery to show the current drain and disconnect wires at random( or in a logical progression if you can) to stop the leakage....but for pitys sake don't put any load on it while in situ...This will help trace the leakage.

John

[types26/36]

Dont suppose you have an immobilizer fitted do you? a modern radio with a memory? ....how about one of the relays ......leave it over night and feel for a warm relay.
Ign. switch wired wrongly feeding something from the AUX position? How about pulling out one fuse at a time while watching the meter to isolate the offending circuit.......electrics can drive you to drink....but who needs driving

[handi_andi]

Good call gentleman. Have narrowed it down to the aft fuse on the forward fuse box which appears to feed the electric windows, clock and hazard warning lights, glove comparment lights and cigar lighter. Clock is out of the car and its cable isnt touching anything and same with glove compartment light. Disconnecting the cigar lighter made no difference and I think I managed to disconnect the hazard light flasher unit. Can i just check though that that is the small rectangular unit by the steering column or is that something else?

The current drain is 30ma, so not very much but enough to flatten the battery over time.

Does the flasher unit keep itself warmed up or anything?

Anyone got any clue what could draw a steady 30ma on that circuit?

Thanks

Andy

[types26/36]

Can i just check though that that is the small rectangular unit by the steering column or is that something else?

Only two things I can think of that you describe......flasher unit or voltage stabilizer for gauges.