How can I tell what is running my battery down on a 05 Chevy Avalanche?
4 Answers
beatupchevy answered 11 months ago
A parasitic drain test is needed , Not easy to explain here you'll have to look it up . If there's any ad ons plugged in pull those and see if it makes a difference . I guess you could pull fuses in the dark and hope to see a small spark on the problem circuit
If it is anything like my GM pull the radio or infotainment fuse and see if it stops drawing down the battery. Mine never fully shut off even though it wasn’t working. Yours maybe working but also not shutting off.
lincolnscott49 answered 10 months ago
To do a parasitic draw test all you will need a 12 volt test light. first make sure the battery is not completely dead. Open the door and see if the dome light comes on. If so you have enough battery power to do this test. Second make sure the test light works as it should. Touch the gaiter-clip wire end to negative post and the probe to positive post . the light should come on. 1. Remove the positive cable from the battery . 2. Connect one end of the test light wire to the positive post of the battery you can tape it in place if needed 3. Touch the probe to the removed positive cable that was removed from the battery. You can also tape this in place if needed to make sure it is touching as you do this test. This is now inline with the charging system and should light up if power is being drawn. If no light comes on and you open the door it should come on as the dome light will draw power .This also means you have no parasitic draw. If it does come on without openg the door . 4. Remove the dome light fuse, radio fuse and cigarette Lighter fuse if equipped and pull any engine bay light bulb if equipped. If light is still lit remove one fuse at a time to see if the tests light goes out. If not reinstall it and move to the next one. Remove one fuse at a time until you find the one that results in the test light going out. Once you find the fuse that power is being drawn on then you have found the circuit that may have a short in it. Lets say it's the back light fuse or running lights... You would visually inspect the back lights and running lights connections for shorted wires or bulbs or bad grounds. Hope that helps .
