On Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:32:28 -0800 (PST), ransley
wrote:

I have a 2002 Volvo with a big battery , its original and probably
just worn out , but I check it at night after driving its 100% @13.3v
and in the morning its 75% 12.5v or so. But strangely it only takes 5
minutes at 15 A. to get to 100% or 13.3v . Most likely battery is just
old and bad, ideas. How do I check a draw of amps on a battery to see
if I have a short. Or do I just get a new battery and worry later or
not at all.

Just take it in to most any reliable place that sells betteries and
ask them to do a load test on it. Or you can buy a cheap load tester
for around $20 at some place like Harbor Fright or a good one for
twice that amount at a parts store. Personally, I'd just take it in
and let them test it, and be sure I saw the meter in use so they were
not just trying to make a sale. Most auto parts stores will do this
test for free.