Well we have seen this more than once but we still need to test it right?. Let's have a look at this 2003 Chevrolet 1500 that has an ignition off draw (parasitic draw) Place your bets: Radio, Cluster, Alternator, PCM, or just a bad battery!?!?
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48 thoughts on “Chevrolet truck – battery dies overnight – part i”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The FreQko Channel says:

    This video is still very informative!!

    I will try this very soon.

    Thanks!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LJ Walter says:

    Hmmm… I wonder how this is done without the $3,000.00 Snap-On Vantage Pro thingy…?? 🤔🤔🤔
    Heading out to buy lottery tickets now, hopefully I’ll win then I can afford to get the tool to fix my car 🤙😁👍🤙👍

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Julian Tolley says:

    Just to say thank you for highlighting the voltage drop across fuses. Helped to quickly diagnose the draw on my 2003 Chevy Suburban. For all those useful with a soldering iron its very easy to resolder every joint in the instrument cluster. I went from a range of faults including a ghost main beam light that would illuminate despite the car locked and definitely asleep to no faults. Easy to remove the cluster and pop the covers off the cluster.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RevBiker Big D says:

    Ever have a dodge 2003 Durango have a draw? Can't find it !

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Will Hewitt says:

    great vid

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Interesting video Eric O always sucks when an item is acting up then ya move it and the problem stops @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richie The Sailor says:

    My exact same 03 Silverado w/ 201,000 miles!
    Why is the 20amp [PCM] fuse not energized though fuse is okay? Where will be the suspect ground connection to fuses? How does the panel below fuse separate to investigate this particular fusebox connection? [Cranks/No Start/No 5volt reference to PCM, No ignition pulse] i enjoy trying to learn from SMA..(rt) mechanic, ThankU

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shan Khan says:

    I don't understand what are you doing you change the cluster meter or what how drain gone

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 932stretch says:

    I believe my 2004 silverado has the same issue. What company/service did you send your cluster to for repair? There are many out there but they only talk about gauges etc but don't really seem to address the overnight current draw. Thanx, JIM

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jackson Brown says:

    Thank you for the help

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars timb0man says:

    Outstanding video! I was able to follow your logical leadings, and though my problem was the radio fuse and not the cluster, I simply bought a clamp meter for autos from amazon and this morning found the battery drain parasitic draw. Thanks a million for posting this.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rant1200 says:

    I think there are 1,000 milliamps in an amp

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Big Hoss says:

    Best video for me.. easy to learn

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Teufel Hund says:

    Thanks for putting the mini fuse conversion chart up. Saved me the trouble. Can a blown fuse draw electricity? Had a blown 20amp mini drawing 1mV. Replaced it and went to zero. My battery was dying after a day or two. Gotta let it sit and see if this was the problem.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gy Bx says:

    The BCM keeps numerous systems awake for 20 minutes, so during that time a reading of up to 300 mA is normal.
    However, after 20 minutes, the BCM should go into sleep mode and then only about 15 mA of parasitic load should be measured. Know how the BCM works! If you open the door or use remote keyless, etc, the BCM will awaken for another 20 minutes! So, make sure your BCM is asleep before you run these tests. Don't let the BCM fool you.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Payment says:

    ERIC THE ABS SYSTEM TALKS TO EVERYTHING AND SECURITY SYSTEM AS WELL TO ALL THE OTHER COMPONETS AND THE THING THAT GETS ME IS WHY THE ENGINEERS DESIGN THE SYSTEM TO STAY POWERD UP SO LONG BUT I LOVE YOJR VIDEOS YOU ARE VERY THOROUGH WITH YOUR DIAGNOSTICS AND YOU DO GOOD QUALITY WORK ALL THE TIME WISH ALL SHOPS HAD YOUR MORALS AND WAYS ….. GOD BLESS YOU ERIC

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Snoopy says:

    It got reclustered for the mileage? I dunno if it carries over on the cluster

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars darknature79 says:

    Just did this and found out my drl fuse,day time running lamp fuse has a draw of 121 milliamps.
    Hope that's my problem.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wakie Davis says:

    He amazing he know what he doing

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bryan Simon says:

    I’ve been chasing this same problem for 2 years, thanks. Went out preformed your test sequence and what do you think I found, stupid cluster.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars david simmons says:

    This was a 2002 GMC 3500 Diesel. found the largest source of power use while ignition switch was off —— A/C relay stuck / burned together causing the A/C compressor clutch to stay engaged all the time– amp draw was about 4. 7 amp dc went to homedepot got a 10 amp mulitimeter diconnect the negative battery lead and on diesel disconnect the second battery negative then use a dc 10 amp selection then use a set of clamp on alligator leads to go between the negative terminal on the battery the black lead and then the red lead to the battery wire. Then start pulling fuses until you find which one causes the amp draw to fall or stop. Then small amounts of current can be other things like the courtesy lights, under the hood light, glove box light ect. once you find the fuse for the prolem you can then look into what else may be causing more ?

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Mckim says:

    I would like help on a 5.7 water pump that you had featured at one time 1998 Chevrolet 1/2 ton How to remove the fan to replace the water pump replaced rad got from Napa

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tesla_supports on Instagram says:

    hanks to 👆👆👆Two months ago I nearly pulled a trigger on a Model S but thanks to them 👆

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tesla_supports on Instagram says:

    hanks to 👆👆👆Two months ago I nearly pulled a trigger on a Model S but thanks to them 👆

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Guillermo S says:

    So what if you find the parasitic draw and it’s the horn fuse where do I go from there 😁 not super smart but capable on a 1996 Chevy Silverado

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Piper56 says:

    GM should recall the instrument panels in their vehicles, my 2004 Chevy Tahoe required a new instrument panel at a cost of $600. Our 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD panel is shot as well.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Jenkins says:

    Guess at 11- I say door alarm relay. None before you set alarm…time will tell

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dustin Key says:

    bad altinater

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Marlow says:

    Have you now tried to clean the cluster yourself ?

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars remo williams says:

    All you need to do is unhook the negative cable from the battery and plug a test light between the negative cable and the negative post. will should glow a little, if it's a bright light start unplugging fuses, when you pull the right fuse and the light goes out, you have found the problem circuit, that is causing the problem.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zoe Hamilton says:

    I thought that there was a recall on the instrument panel.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Street Bob Heaven says:

    Good evening Eric, I was having the same issue that my truck would be completely dead with the battery at 3 to 4 V in the morning after one night though. I came across your video and saw your instructions on troubleshooting the voltage draw within fuses. The 10 amp fuse for the cluster was at 3.6MV when I tested it. Which converted over to 485 milliamps. My question is how do I undergo on troubleshooting the dash cluster now?

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Marta says:

    I see someone else already sold the guy a new battery and alternator because they are hack, parts-changers and didn't even attempt to ACTUALLY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Stokes says:

    Dude! You are good! We definitely owe you a few beers and should you make it to Idaho we are good for them! I hope you are employed as an instructor as you are excellent and I was an instructor for thirty years and know what I'm talking about! Best of luck!!!

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Tooby says:

    7mm….:)

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Tooby says:

    So if I changed oit 3 different clusters and all three 2 lights came in and the left blinker but nothing else
    .can anybody validate my thoughts when I say I'm not sure 3 different clusters are bad? All are in fact used but off pretty clean vehicles . Problem is wasn't able to check any of the thre prior to removal.. mine has rhe same cjecknenginenlight then the little pig curly tail light amd only the left blinker blinks.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Danny Bowen says:

    Change the float in the tank short not causing the gas gauge to short out causing a draw

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Danny Bowen says:

    I believe the element is probably shortness sending signal back to draw

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars terry martin says:

    You nailed it for me . Thanks

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ONSYTE-1 says:

    The Problem IZZ ignition switch underneath the Key switch. The yellow/blue line IZZ for cluster activation. 5.0v reference/ Ground off

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ONSYTE-1 says:

    Including torx and E-sockets

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ONSYTE-1 says:

    I Don't know how to Read a tape measure .. BUT I can Look at Any size Bolt and Tell you the Correct sizes. Up to 9" 1/2 inch.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars theozman38 says:

    My 03 Yukon has a the same thing happening but the hvac stays on and you can hear clicks and hear iac moving around. I’ve tested the fuse box with a circuit tester and multiple fuses are still active with power after the key has been turned off. Kinda puzzled what is wrong. Thanks

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JeezusIsreal says:

    On my 05 yukon I just found my oil pressure guage is stuck at 80. Far right. So I'm guessing that explains the battery draw parasite. The cluster.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim A says:

    Mili means thousand, mate. 1000 milliamps = 1 amp. Not 100

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JeezusIsreal says:

    My yukon I'm unhooking my battery each night till I find the draw.
    Also I will never by a older chev van again. Major elect issues.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fastacker2 says:

    All these gm trucks will have cluster probkens. I just learned how to resolder them , bought the right soldering equip. and fixed mine. Resoldered about 40 connections on the cluster pcb board. Faulty GM solder fails as the truck ages.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CAR MAC 1 says:

    Y do you think it's alot of kilometers ? I have 700.876 on my GMC Sierra pickup 4.3 L

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