A few things have happened lately

[JaxSPL]

I am not sure if it is worth trying to fix the van or not, but figured I would try to get some help.

First off: 3 days ago my right turn signal quit blinking in the dash, it lights up steady. I figured a bulb blown out on that side.
Second: Left Side turn signal quit working with same symptoms.
Third: Dome light stays on. I changed that out about a year ago to LEDs. Right now the LEDs are partially lit when everything is off. If I open a door or turn on the dome light switch, the dome light will fully light. When door is closed and switch is off, the dome light is dim.
Fourth: Alarm is going off for no reason. 3 times yesterday, 2 times today while I was standing next to the van.

Everything else seems to be working properly. It seems I have a short somewhere causing the battery to drain. When the alarm senses a drain, it goes off. I'm not sure if the turn signals are related to the problem or not.

I did take the fuse out for the horn/dome. I lost the use of the stereo, horn, alarm, and dome light. Now everything has been wired up the same for over 3 years.

Any ideas?

And just for information. It is a 1989 Astro with a 250amp alternator and 2 batteries. It does have a high powered stereo in it. Like I say, everything else seems to work properly. I'm believing the problem is in the dome light / horn circuitry, but not sure.

I've got a line on a 1994 Astro for $200 which has no problems. I just don't want to give mine up just yet.

[astro355]

What voltage does the van normally run at?

Do you have the two batteries on the same circuit?

How old are the batteries?

[JaxSPL]

Voltage starts out at 14.8 and after the engine warms up drops to a constant 14.3

Both batteries on same circuit using 4/0 welding cable for positive and ground. Been this way for 3+ years

Batteries are a couple months old. I had to change them due to having an Optima yellow top develop a hole the size of a quarter at the bottom of the positive side (manufacturer defect)

[JaxSPL]

Well ain't this the darnedest thing. Seems to be fixed. I changed out both turn signal bulbs (rear of van). the dome light now goes off like it's supposed to and the alarm seems to be working like it should.

Seems the lights being out was causing the dome light to remain on but dim, which caused a voltage drain on the battery, which caused the alarm to sound. Weirdest thing I've ever seen.

I guess by changing out the dome light to LEDs it is now acting as a warning signal for blown bulbs or something.

I bought new bulbs and pin switches today. Guess I can take the pin switches back and get an 1156 bulb for reverse light now.

[Jasen]

Nothin like a $2 fix