Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Intermittent Parasitic Load Problems
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.
| 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 | ..... |
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.