Hello, I have searched for an answer for my problem but didnt see anything pertaining to it specifically.
My 97 Ranger XLT 2.3 battery is draining after a couple of days sitting. It only happens when the air temp
is in the 30's or below. New battery. Not sure why it only does it in cold weather.
Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

First, you should test the new battery, "new" just means NEVER EVER TESTED, no longer means "it works"

After vehicle has sat for a few hours after driving it, disconnected 1 battery cable, doesn't matter which one
Test battery voltage and WRITE IT DOWN
A battery will show a "false" higher voltage just after charging by alternator when driving, which is why you need to wait until battery "cools down"

Test voltage the next day, should be EXACTLY the same voltage, if its dropping then there is a good chance the battery is defective, has an internal short
Test it again a few hours later, if its still dropping then that confirms defective battery have it replaced

If battery voltage is holding steady NO DROP at all
Then yes you have something on that shouldn't be on after key is off

Disconnect 1 battery cable(doesn't matter which one) and hook up AMP meter between disconnected cable and its battery terminal, this will show you the amps being pulled from the battery at this time
Key should, of course, be off and in your pocket, lol
Doors should be closed

If your model has a hood open light unplug it

Amp draw should be 0.03amps to 0.07amps, thats 30 to 70 milliamps(ma)

This is from radio to keep correct time and pre-sets
From the computer to hold memory
And if you have Keyless entry, from the RAP module so it can "listen" 24/7 for Fobs unlock radio signal

If its over 70ma then you will need to pull fuses out, one at a time, in the Engine Fuse box, to see which one drops the amps down
Then post that here so I/we can post all the circuits that fuse powers