Parasitic draw, calling all electrical gurus
#1
JK Freak
Thread Starter
Parasitic draw, calling all electrical gurus
Hey guys, I've recently run into the issue of parasitic draw. If the Jeep sits for 3 days, the battery needs a jump. I bought a brand new battery back in September, so I ruled that out of the equation. Ended up using my voltmeter to test the draw. Started off by pulling the winch, lights, cb, and lockers: no change. Proceeded to start pulling fuses. Looks like fuse M13 is drawing power even after the Jeep shuts off/all the computers shut off. I'm drawing 1.5 amps initially, which then falls to and steadies at 0.68 after a few seconds. This is still much higher than the 0.05 that I should be at. Looking at the wiring diagram for M13, I'm seeing that it supplies power to the following:
-Siren
-Left multifunction switch
-Remote entry
-Cluster (one of two fuses, not the only one)
Better diagram:
So now that I have it narrowed down, I have no idea how to proceed. Has anyone on this forum had issues with parasitic draw related to fuse M13? I've been pulling the fuse when parking the Jeep recently, but I'd like to solve this issue before I go on a wheeling trip in August. How would I go about narrowing down which circuit is causing the draw?
-Siren
-Left multifunction switch
-Remote entry
-Cluster (one of two fuses, not the only one)
Better diagram:
So now that I have it narrowed down, I have no idea how to proceed. Has anyone on this forum had issues with parasitic draw related to fuse M13? I've been pulling the fuse when parking the Jeep recently, but I'd like to solve this issue before I go on a wheeling trip in August. How would I go about narrowing down which circuit is causing the draw?
#2
JK Freak
How long after you have powered off the Jeep, remote locked it, etc., before checking the current? Also, what method did you use to check current on that fuse? E.g. did you measure voltage drop across the fuse and then cross-reference the fuse manufacturer's data for drop vs current, or use some other method?
I'd wait at least 5 mins before checking current; this allows devices to discharge, electronics to enter their sleep cycles, etc.
I'd wait at least 5 mins before checking current; this allows devices to discharge, electronics to enter their sleep cycles, etc.
#3
JK Freak
Thread Starter
How long after you have powered off the Jeep, remote locked it, etc., before checking the current? Also, what method did you use to check current on that fuse? E.g. did you measure voltage drop across the fuse and then cross-reference the fuse manufacturer's data for drop vs current, or use some other method?
I'd wait at least 5 mins before checking current; this allows devices to discharge, electronics to enter their sleep cycles, etc.
I'd wait at least 5 mins before checking current; this allows devices to discharge, electronics to enter their sleep cycles, etc.
#4
JK Jedi Master
So, after connecting the amp meter in series, you have to wait the ten minutes while ensuring you maintain continuity. Otherwise, every time you lose and reestablish continuity, the time starts over.
#5
JK Junkie
<snip> I'm drawing 1.5 amps initially, which then falls to and steadies at 0.68 after a few seconds. This is still much higher than the 0.05 that I should be at. Looking at the wiring diagram for M13, I'm seeing that it supplies power to the following:
-Siren
-Left multifunction switch
-Remote entry
-Cluster (one of two fuses, not the only one)
So now that I have it narrowed down, I have no idea how to proceed. Has anyone on this forum had issues with parasitic draw related to fuse M13? I've been pulling the fuse when parking the Jeep recently, but I'd like to solve this issue before I go on a wheeling trip in August. How would I go about narrowing down which circuit is causing the draw? </snip>
-Siren
-Left multifunction switch
-Remote entry
-Cluster (one of two fuses, not the only one)
So now that I have it narrowed down, I have no idea how to proceed. Has anyone on this forum had issues with parasitic draw related to fuse M13? I've been pulling the fuse when parking the Jeep recently, but I'd like to solve this issue before I go on a wheeling trip in August. How would I go about narrowing down which circuit is causing the draw? </snip>
#6
Super Moderator
parasitic draws can be any number of things. I have seen alternators cause them as well as electronic componets. Before shooting the parts cannon at it go through and check componets. If your alternator is drawing the the juice it will be warm/hot to the touch when the Jeep is not running. Then take a test light and start checking circuits. YouTube is a great resource. One channel I like is SouthMain Auto.