Q: I own a 2005 Dodge Durango SLT 4WD with the Hemi engine. I bought this vehicle new in '05 and ever since it was new the battery goes dead after it has been sitting for about a week or so. It's been back to the dealer since day one and nobody has been able to figure out what's wrong. It's at the dealership now and they said the gauge cluster was bad so they replaced it. There's still a 150-milliamp drain on the battery with everything turned off. My problem is I don't drive the vehicle often enough to keep the battery from going dead. What should I do? -- C.A., Hazelcrest

A: C.A., there are several things you can do. Have you contacted Chrysler? You can reach them by phone at 1-800-992-1997. Your vehicle may be covered by the Illinois Lemon Law. You can find out more about the Lemon Law by visiting http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/lemonlaw.html or by phone at 1-800-964-3013.

Your vehicle has something wrong causing an excessive electrical drain. This is known as "Parasitic Drain" or "Ignition Off Draw." It's normal to have a small amount of drain (less than 50-milliamps), which keeps the memory circuit in various computer modules powered up. Without this small drain, things like your radio presets and clock settings would be lost every time you turned the key to the "off" position. But in your situation, your Durango has a drain that is much too high. To find the drain, a technician needs to connect an ammeter and pull fuses one-by-one. After each fuse is pulled, the technician needs to look at the meter. When the meter reading goes below 50-milliamps, the circuit with the excessive drain has been found.

Sometimes, though, it's not as easy as it sounds. There are a number of computer modules on your vehicle and many of them are normally shut down completely after the ignition is turned off. One of those modules could be staying online causing the drain. But you shouldn't have to put up with the inconvenience of a dead battery after the vehicle has been parked for a week or so.

Q: I recently inherited a 1975 Ford Torino. It has been in a garage for over 25 years. I'm sure it does not run. I'm looking for advice on either fixing it up, or selling it. I'm hoping you'll make some suggestions that will help me make a wise decision. -- Sylvia., Chicago

A: Sylvia, I'm going to recommend you visit the Hemmings web site at http://www.hemmings.com where you'll find resources that will help you research what the vehicle might be worth in its present condition, and if you fixed it up. Hemmings has tips on finding the right restoration shop and you'll find a directory of car clubs, dealers, and museums. You may want to contact a local Ford car club to learn more about your vehicle. Also, you should type "Ford Torino" into your favorite internet search engine and you're likely to find a number websites that will provide you with additional information.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708-633-6839 or e-mail Autoadvisr@aol.comAutoAdviser. Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician.