Ferris 810cc 26HP Vanguard Battery Constantly Dying?

[Hexa Fox]

Voltage regulators are almost always wired hot. Meaning not switched. The VR is suppose to shut down the path. If you unplug your VR after you shut it down, and no more draw, there's your issue.

Sorry if this was already mentioned but is there an easy way to determine if something is drawing from the battery when it is not suppose to be?

 

[DMW]

Ferris IS1500Z, replaced the key switch. Symptoms - Starter would only click when trying to start, after several dozen attempts it would start. Lost 2 keys out of the switch (old and new) when trimming around pines/cedars. Affixed lanyard to key attached to mower throttle.

 

[tomplum]

Sorry if this was already mentioned but is there an easy way to determine if something is drawing from the battery when it is not suppose to be?

Sure. The easiest way for you is to just unhook the regulator connector and do a wait and see. Or should you have a multimeter, you can remove the - battery terminal and put the leads between the post and a ground. I'm sure YouTube could be your friend here. But essentially you would be removing a connector at a time to help isolate an amp draw. I personally start with the regulator , but good practice is to break it in to chunks. So, if you have multiple fuses, pull one fuse and watch the meter.

That's one way or simply to unplug the 6 pin engine connector or other main connector another. You can move the switch from off to on and see if the draw remains when off, which could indicate a worn key switch- but don't turn to crank as it will likely pop the fuse in the meter.