I have a new Optima Yellow Top and after changing the gauge to a new cluster I noticed my voltmeter was closer to 8~9 volts rather than its usual 12~13v. Cranks great, fires up right away, but I definitely have a 13v low-amp drain when the ignition is off. Got out the multimeter, set it to 20v DC. Disconnected my negative terminal and connected my multimeter to the cable and terminal (basically the same as an in-line test light). Now, I've never seen this before, but it started at around 4 volts and steadily climbed to 13v then came to a stop at 12.97v. So, I started pulling fuses waiting for it drop... never did. What else can I test?

 

yes starter and alternator can cause a drain remove the battery cable from each one at a time then test........

 

But how? I mean, the starter solenoid needs a decent amperage to engage and the draw on the battery is definitely a low amperage. The alternator seems more plausible but if it was bad wouldn't I have no charge when I'm idling? Does anyone know what the three plugs on the bottom of the positive distribution block go to?

 

Was everything good before you swapped out the gauge cluster??? and now with that being the only change you've made you now have this problem??? I think you're hunting in the wrong place.

 

That's what I thought, but it must be a coincidence. I can remove the fuse to the gauges and they all drop like I've turned the key off, pulled the fuse for the lighting array behind the cluster and I still have draw on the battery. I pulled the cluster back out, unhooked the speedo cable and two electrical plugs, still no luck.

 

I guess I would go with what 98 Jeep Jeep said. Put your multi-meter on the line getting the 13v draw and start disconnecting alternator, starter, etc. until the draw goes away.....then you should be able to isolate the guilty part that way.

 

Yeah, I guess that's my only option. Every time I mess with the little positive distribution block it feels like its going to fall apart, hence my reluctancy. Thanks guys, I'll let you know what I find in the morning.