Crazy Battery Charging Problem - HELP! Options

[customstarr]

Ok... heres a good one: I've had my car for about three months - most of the time it's been in storage - never once lost a charge during the cold winter - even after sitting for weeks without starting. Last week, I brought it home from storage and started some detail cleaning on it - everything was fine.

Then, while driving it, it seemed the FI was messing up - just wasn't running that great. I get home, go to restart it and the battery is DEAD.

The PO put the wrong battery in it anyway, so I went and purchased a brand new battery today. I put it in, the car fires up and runs great - for a minute - then it seems like its acting up again. I shut it down, try to restart, and the BRAND NEW BATTERY IS DEAD.

Here's the kicker: My GEN light works - comes on during key up, but does not stay illuminated while running. How could a brand new battery get immediately drained after running for just a few minutes unless the ALT is bad - but then again, why am I getting no GEN light?

PLEASE HELP! Possible Voltage Reg problem?

[scotty b]

Just spoke to my dad (life-long electrician) and he suggests a possible internal short to ground. I'm interested in this outcome (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[SirAndy]

he suggests a possible internal short to ground.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) that would drain it in a hurry ...