60 days ago my 1999 expy was draining the battery. Had it towed to the mechanic, after 4 or 5 days of testing they determined the gem was bad. Replaced it with one from a junkyard. Prior to replacing it rained alot. Well guess what, the battery is being drained again. We again have had alot of rain lately. In previous post others have said the windshield is leaking into the module, what do you think? I have a quote from safetlite to replace the windshield and moulding at our home for $249. Is this fair? Yesterday I charged the battery to 50% level, and it started. I then unhooked the positive battery cable. This morning The engine barely turned over but would not fire. I'm now charging again to 100%. My concern is with positive battery cable unhooked why did it not start this morning. Anyone have any ideas as too what it could be besides the gem? It did start fine for about 60 days after the first repair. Before I have the windshield replaced and a new gem I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks Bob

 

Does your rear wiper work? It is a notorious battery drain.

 

We had the electrical gremlins a few years ago, read here about water getting to the module due to Ford's lousy seal and I noticed signs of water up by the module. Had my insurance replace it for the $100 comprehensive co-pay. Safelite did the work, they have a great warranty, the problems went away, and I didn't have to change the module. If you don't use your insurance, $249 is not bad.

Have you removed the battery and had it tested?

 

I had my windshield replaced for $130 at a shop near by. So $250 is pretty high to me. I could buy 2 weindsheilds. Call around to shops.

 

Yes, but the rear window defroster has been disconected at the window since we have owned it.

 

But alwaysfords41 is saying that the rear wiper (not the rear defroster) is notorious for draining batteries. Try running with fuse #12 (under the hood) removed to see if the battery holds its charge.

Is your new GEM or the CJB getting wet?

 

Could it be by some chance that a bad battery has been overlooked. Just saying this after you said that you charged it then unhooked it, to me the battery isnt holding its charge.

 

Not to hi-jack, but how did you convince your insurance Co. To cover the claim?

 

The glass had a small rock crack, so insurance covered it no problem.