trouble isolating short circuit 2002 s60

[S60TomP]

have a constant draw of about 3.5 amps. have pulled each relay and fuse in the trunk, cabin and engine compartments without any effect.

when i connect the ameter between the neg post & cable the initial draw is about 6.5 amps but drops quickly to 3.5 after about 30 seconds.

any insights as to how to further isolate the short would be most appreciated.

[jimmy57]

If you leave the ammeter attached does it fall further after another 10 min?

Have you looked at the wiring diagram that is on the site?
There are fuses in engine compartment below the fuses you see.
The alternator can charge and have no alt warning lamp and still have a faulty diode that draws current when the car is off.

[jimmy57]

Go to the twisted white and green wires at the connector at driver's power seat and check between ground and each of those wires after a few minutes. THe voltage with ign on is 2.2 and 2.8 V but should go to about .1 on each after the modules all shu down, approx. 10 minutes or a little less after key off with doors/ trunk closed. You can simulate door and trunk closure by closing the latches manually.

[S60TomP]

Thanks jimmy57. i'll try the suggestions you gave. where on the site is the wiring diagram? i didn't monitor the ameter for 10 min and mostly used a test light, easier, to see if current is flowing when i pulled the fuses.

the initial higher draw is owing to the dome lamps coming in when the battery is connected. just finished fully charging the battery and am going to get new baselines and try the 10 min test.

[S60TomP]

ignore diagram question. repair database-> wiring diagrams. Duh. I'm not used to things beig this easy and logical.