NOTE:
This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific information see appropriate articles where available.
NOTE:
This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific information see appropriate articles where available.
The term Parasitic Load refers to electrical devices that continue to use or draw current after the ignition switch is turned to OFF position. This small amount of continuous battery draw is expressed in milliamps (mA). On Chrysler vehicles, a typical Parasitic Load should be no more than 30 milliamps (0.030 amps). On Ford Motor Co. and General Motors vehicles produced after 1980, a typical Parasitic Load should be no more than 50 milliamps (0.050 amps).
Vehicles produced since 1980 have memory devices that draw current with ignition off for as long as 20 minutes before shutting down the Parasitic Drain. When Parasitic Load exceeds normal specifications, the vehicle may exhibit dead battery and no-start condition.
Follow test procedure for checking Parasitic Loads to completion. A brief overview of a suggested test procedure is included along with some typical Parasitic Load specifications. Refer to GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD TABLE chart.
NOTE:
This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific information see appropriate articles where available.
CAUTION:
Always turn ignition off when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers or jumper cables. DO NOT turn test switch to OFF position (which causes current to run through ammeter or vehicle electrical system).
NOTE:
Memory functions of various accessories must be reset after the battery is reconnected.
The battery circuit must be opened to connect test switch (shunt) and ammeter into the circuit. When a battery cable is removed, timer circuits within the vehicle computer are interrupted and immediately begin to discharge. If in doubt about the condition of the ammeter fuse, test it with an ohmmeter prior to beginning test. An open fuse will show the same reading (00.00) as no parasitic drain. Begin test sequence with the meter installed and on the 10-amp scale. Select lower scale to read parasitic draw.
To test for excessive IOD, verify that all electrical accessories are OFF. Turn off all lights, remove ignition key, and close all doors and decklid. If the vehicle is equipped with electronic accessories (illuminated entry, automatic load leveler, body computer, or high line radio), allow the system to automatically shut off (time out), up to 3 minutes.
CAUTION:
IOD greater than 3 amps may damage millampmeter.
Intermittent parasitic load can occur because of a memory device that does not power down with ignition off. With an intermittent parasitic load, battery draw can be greater than 1.0 amp.
To find an intermittent problem requires that an ammeter and Disconnect Tool (J-38758) test switch be connected and left in the circuit. See Fig. 1. Road test vehicle. After road test, turn ignition off and remove key.
Monitor the milliamps scale for 15-20 minutes after ignition is turned off. This allows monitoring memory devices to determine if they time out and stop drawing memory current. The test switch is needed to protect ammeter when the vehicle is started.
Fig. 1: Connecting Kent-Moore Disconnect Tool (J-38758)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD
Component
Normal Draw
Maximum Draw
Time-Out (Minutes)
Anti-Theft System
0.4
1.0
.....
Auto Door Lock
1.0
1.0
.....
Body Control Module
3.6
12.4
20
Central Processing System
1.6
2.7
20
Electronic Control Module
5.6
10.0
.....
Electronic Level Control
2.0
3.3
20
Heated Windshield Module
0.3
0.4
.....
HVAC Power Module
1.0
1.0
.....
Illuminated Entry
1.0
1.0
1
Light Control Module
0.5
1.0
.....
Oil Level Module
0.1
0.1
.....
Multi-Function Chime
1.0
1.0
.....
Pass Key Decoder Module
0.75
1.0
.....
Power Control Module
5.0
7.0
.....
Retained Accessory Power
3.8
3.8
.....
Radio
7.0
8.0
15
Twilight Sentinel Module
1.0
1.0
.....
Voltage Regulator
1.4
2.0
.....
Fig. 2: Diode Check & Solenoid Test
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 3: Quad Driver Test
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.