each new battery drained, our solution Options

[firefly]

Our 1998 Celica GT ran beautifully for a year or two after we bought it, then suddenly the battery began dying at odd times, sometimes after a few weeks or a month; sometimes overnight; other times after having been driven and parked for as little as 20 minutes! After three successive new batteries, repeated measurements of each battery's functionality (always just fine, thanks), and intense tests and examinations by several mechanics, the battery gremlin continued to drain each new battery at random times, and no one seemed able to find the gremlin's hiding place. In the end, a mechanic suggested that we try purchasing a $35 battery maintainer and plug it into the Celica's battery each night. We did this, and it has solved the problem without too much fuss; I just have to unplug the maintainer and shut the hood before driving the car each day. I still wonder what causes this maddening issue, but I'm grateful I can enjoy my car again.

[firefly]

Many thanks for the suggestions--The alternator shows no signs of any problems; a mechanic tested every area of the car to try to pinpoint where the battery drain occurs but nothing showed up. I will look into whether the ignition switch might be loose. We only made one change to the car after purchasing it. The mechanism that raises and lowers the convertible top quit working, so we had a new one installed. But if there is a problem with it, wouldn't that have shown up during testing for the battery draw?