Tutorial: The BEST Procedures for Performing a Parasitic Draw Test

mrrsm

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If you keep suffering from the "Dreaded Dead Battery" problem at the most inconvenient of times...which means ALWAYS... THIS Video has laid out the very best procedures and links to related Fuse-Type vs, Voltage Drops vs. Amperage Loss Tables and the Best means to seek and find any Parasitic Current Problems. The Basic equipment he uses is common and in this method... having an ultra sensitive Ammeter will not be necessary if you perform the requisite conversions that come out of your investigative findings correctly. The appearance of the VOP in this Video might "Look a Little Haywire"...but the manner, techniques and information he imparts here... are NOT. Well Worth Downloading into your Mechanics' Video Library :

 

mrrsm

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As mentioned by "The Humble Mechanic" ... Here is a Link to those Power Probe Voltage to Current Draw Conversion Charts that cover a wide range and type of Fuses. These can be Downloaded for print outs for eventual Test use:

https://www.powerprobe.com/fuse-voltage-drop-charts/
 

mrrsm

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Courtesy Eric "O" over at South Main Auto Shop... I just located a Youtube Video Specific to our GMT360 Trailblazer & Envoy Platform concerning Diagnosing Parasitic Draw that might help cut to the chase on the Diagnosis. Strangely enough... THIS Part (1) of a Two Part Video is HIM asking for HELP from others with more experience with this problem... (DAMN You... Trailblazer...!):


For Full Size Chevrolet Trucks & SUVs:

This is a Two Part Series covering the problem more directly as being cause by a SHORTED OUT INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER:

Part I

And in his Follow Up Video... The Parasitic Draw Problem turned out to be a BAD (SHORT CIRCUITED) INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER.

.... and Listen to the Telephone Conversation Eric "O" had with the Service Technician who re-built the Instrument Panel Cluster as being directly caused by "Silver Migration due to the OEM Manufacturer's use of Lead Free Solder...." This Silver Migration Shorts Out the IPC and THIS is the Cause and Origin of having a Dead Battery brought down by a Steady .25 Amperage Draw... Who Knew... Right?:


Part II

...and also from The Redoubtable "Eric The Car Guy"...a Very NIce additional Tutorial Video:


 
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mrrsm

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This is a Superb Two Part “How To Diagnose a Parasitic, Key-Off” Draw” Video Series on the GMT360s ...courtesy the Redoubtable @MAY03LT providing some BRAND NEW Revelations:



Note:

@TJBaker57 has an Excellent Thread on the Tear Down and Functionality issues with the GMT360 Ignition Switches, too… I just could not locate it to link that information here.

One Last Thought...


@Alfa-Norway ...You might be interested in Watching Drew's 2nd Video here because it perhaps has some implications for your Newly Designed Norwegian IPC Bench Test Equipment.



"Ten Thousand Swedes ...
Ran Through The Weeds ...Chased by ONE Norwegian"
 
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mrrsm

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I've penned a PDF: "How to Use a Parasitic Draw Test Switch" covering the Use of this Tool during Parasitic Draw Diagnostics:

[Mod edit: This post has been edited to comply with posting rules]
 

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mrrsm

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There is always something NEW to learn about the OLD Problem of having a Parasitic Draw:

This first article from 2020 might seem like it’s a “TL;DR”… but for the sake of argument… Forgive the OP for not using ANY Paragraph Breaks and delve into what the Envoy owner had to endure from its Epic Start to the Epic Ending . Take note that GMT Nation gets an honorable referral in this instance from another Thread Respondent.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-d104_ds1087270

This is a Short & Sweet TST Tech Training Video showing another GMC Envoy that suffered from a Parasitic Draw with the Lift Gate Module. Instead of replacing it with a NEW LGM, the Owner asked the TST Technician to just “Un-Plug the Old One”.

What is very clever here is that the TST Trainer “Tony” used a Digital Thermal Camera as a ‘Very Atypical Tool’ to directly sense the 'Heat of Failure' with this particular Module and isolate this problem.

He also used a Tech 2 Scan Tool as well; pointing out the elevated number for the offending LGM on the right column of the Tech 2 Screen:

LGMFAILUREONTECH2.jpg


And last but not least… “Tony” gives us a much more comprehensive and general TST Lecture on Parasitic Draw and the addresses the proper Tools to use for its discovery and repair in THIS Video:

 
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mrrsm

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"Crazy Ivan" from PHAD (Pine Hill Automotive Diagnostics) puts on an Excellent "White Board Clinic" on How to Diagnose ANY Automotive Electrical System, INCLUDING How to find the Presence of a Parasitic Draw.

Perhaps a bit long on explanations with his Tools Discussion and Ivan's Instruction Style might take a little bit of getting used to... But it's ALL Here for The Taking for those interested in Learning More Good, On Topic Stuff while Ivan Covers ALL of the Basics:

 
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mrrsm

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Pourquoi, Merci, Monsieur!

...and a perfect "On Topic" time to make mention of getting a decent Insulated Lighted Circuit Tester Probe for Checking Powers & Grounds, Circuit Continuity and Fuses. Similar versions to this one are available on Amazon:



IITCIRCUITPROBE1.jpegIITCIRCUITPROBE2.jpeg
 
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Blckshdw

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As mentioned by "The Humble Mechanic" ... Here is a Link to those Power Probe Voltage to Current Draw Conversion Charts that cover a wide range and type of Fuses. These can be Downloaded for print outs for eventual Test use:

https://www.powerprobe.com/fuse-voltage-drop-charts/

Looks like they removed the charts from their site, but I was able to track down a copy, so posting here for posterity. :coffee:
 

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