In this video I bring you along as I diagnose a parasitic draw on a '03 Chevy Trailblazer. Looks to me like it needs a new cluster. Unfortunately the lady is taking it back to the place that replaced the last one because it is under warranty. Also she was having the original clusters (3) replaced because the gauges were going bad, never as attempt to repair the battery draw. Thanks for watching ๐Ÿ™‚

50 thoughts on “Diagnose: battery drain / parasitic draw – chevy trailblazer”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Borgeson says:

    Never could fix problem like yours, had to put in master switch on battery so could kill power.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donna Thompson says:

    I put a brand new battery in my 2002 Chevy trailblazer hooked it up turn the key it goes pop and nothing what's going on

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BKH1970 says:

    Nice find. Obviously a new cluster fixed the issue.
    Question: did you look to see if there were any aftermarket wire taps on this circuit? Did the current draw at the fuse go to zero with the dash unplugged?

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

    Had very similar issues in a 2003 Suburban 1500LT….including a main beam light that would come on all by itself – just flickering- even when the car was locked and asleep. Similarly the draw was over 0.25A. As an electronics engineer originally my thoughts were its still working but something is adding a draw. So firstly dismantle the instrument panel down to the circuit board. Secondly clean it with alcohol. Finally re-solder every joint you can see. It worked for me. Given it costs nothing to try and you can do it in a few hours in the evening its worth attempting a repair before buying a new IP. Certainly look for any signs of moisture or staining on the board as its highly likely to be the conduit. I'm somewhat forced into this as I'm maintaining the burb over in the UK where is virtually no support for US cars.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JimmyZ Jam says:

    Nice video!
    The 'cluster' seems to be a common fail issue with these. I am currently having the same issue (I believe) on my '02' Blazer, but I just have not addressed it yet lol. I believe my problem is a solder issue. Hit a bump and lose the MLG/SHIFT lights. Bad solder is usually the fix. It will start there and see where it takes me from there.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Smith says:

    My is doing the same thing… my a 2005 Trailblazer….

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shawn Hengeli says:

    Sounds like the key switch or has a bad Ignition switch that's keeping That when it's all said it's actually keeping power to the cluster to verify just take the bottom of the column off and unplugged the mission switch and I bet you lose your amp draw

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MoonsChannel says:

    Hi Eric, I scrolled through all your videos to see if you made a follow up to this issue. I'm having same problem with 2008 GMC Envoy with 104 miles on dash. What was the solution?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Ritchie says:

    On your second video, shoot it when the shop is closed so you don't have all the background noise

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Woods says:

    I knew that cluster was replaced by the yellow writing on the back of the cluster

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rosalinda Acosta says:

    OMG THATS. MY SITUATION!!! I GOING TO WATCH NOW……

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars william kelly says:

    So when you have a known defective instrument cluster, & you obtain a low-cost replacement from the junk yard, doesn't it display the mileage of the "junk" vehicle? ( On the older models, of course.) There's no way to correct that unless you send the cluster to a specially inst. Cluster. Repair depot, is there?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Lee says:

    That looks like a junkyard part it had the writing on it

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bobbycueโ€™s Roadhouse says:

    Noted the junk yard yellow marker on the back

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jesse Tippett says:

    My daughters vehicle is doing this, the instrument cluster is erratic she taps on the dash to get it back. My first thought was the cluster I was thinking a draw there somewhere so I'm glad I ran across this.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Beals says:

    Please tell me the volt meter you are using. I must have it

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RSW says:

    Could it be the final ( Stage resistor) in the HVAC unit ,it is quite common on BMWs.???

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Gabbard says:

    I have a 05 trailblazer and the batterys dead within hours right now.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gary salus says:

    I believe you just answered your own question I would say it's the draw from your fuel tank sensor

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Murphy says:

    Great channel Eric, I have been a subscriber for several years & watch most of your videos' I have a workshop overseas in S.E. Asia for the past 36 years. I would like to know if you could tell me where I could get decent wiring diagrams for various brand vehicles. Most of the ones I either purchased or downloaded on line are very poor quality and most times the print is too small to read & if I enlarge them even slightly they become distorted. I see in many of your videos' you use clear , colored easy to read wiring diagrams. can you tell me where they come from

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Edward Zamorski says:

    What about pulling every single fuse and relays and I have a 1.5 amp drain I have given up

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Craig Dark says:

    Will a shut off switch temporarily fix the issue until I can get a new cluster?

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Marsh says:

    the only voltage drop was when I pulled the 50amp fuse for the sub fuse or the 100amp battery fuse

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis Gibson says:

    Silver migration

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Wilson says:

    BCM??

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Stone says:

    I have the same issue with my 07 envoy Denali… currently waiting on a new cat and changing the front struts and oil pan gasket, starter, looking forward to running these tests once its back together.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tomorrow is Yesterday says:

    Oh, itโ€™s a Chevy. Thatโ€™s your problem.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars scientist100 says:

    Over half a mil subs, congrats.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dick Stewart says:

    Interesting video gives me a lot to think about I have currently no crank no start on my 2003 trailblazer looking forward to next one

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richie Gaming says:

    I have been having a problem with my 2000 jimmy similar to this, but it'll start up after sitting over night and a few dozen attempts. Could this be a voltage regulator issue? Although the alternator tests good. As well as the battery, and no check engine codes or future codes pop up… ? I just want the problem fixed.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anthony Grau says:

    Here's a good out hav an 96 Buick cca are 840. New alternator charging 14114 two under load! But every so often it may need a jump ir a few tries before it will start

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Humphrey says:

    I have a 04 trailblazer that's turning the headlights on intermittently but it's not on a certain time base it might do it every day for a couple of days then it won't have any issues for a week or so then its back at it again what I have found doing dome research is that some say it's like fail safe to indicate a bad cooling fan so I unplug it and remove the to black solid state relays in the under hood fuse set for 2 day's with no issues I go to start it this am the batt is dead I was wondering if you or anyone could point me in the right direction thank you

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K'Dash says:

    My truck had the same issue and battery drain. Damn stepper motors.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RJB says:

    Sure can tell this is an early South Main video. Eric apologizes too much. ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ShadowOps Airman1 says:

    Ignition switch can be bad (under the column)

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Beth Earl says:

    Hi there. Love your channel. I have a '99 Lexus Rx300. I solved this problem by removing all the interior light bulbs. Then I make sure the car is locked overnight. That stopped the problem.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars C14back2 Nitrogen says:

    Thanks thats very informative having similar issues on a 2014 focus st. Draws 4v over night .cant seem to isolate the zombie module ๐Ÿ˜

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leon says:

    I know after reading comments that the IC was the problem. I have repaired electronic products to the component level for 30 years. After watching the video I considered this. What if you install another cluster that is confirmed good by being used in another car and does not have the current draw problem. After you install it and reconnect the battery you monitor the current without opening the doors or turning on the key and confirm the part is still good. Then try turning on different things like the key, or the headlights or move the fuel sensor you mentioned in the video. Then see if the problem develops in the IC. Something on one of the lines going to the IC could be damaging it. There may be a regulator Integrated circuit or diode that gets damaged after something else connected to it draws excessive current. I have seen this happen many times in TVs and audio equipment.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ferdie fox says:

    If she replaced 3x dash clusters, kinda sounding like a CPU issue. That's the last thing anyone wants to hear, but that's Prolly it. : / one bad capacitor will drain the battery pretty quik.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ferdie fox says:

    Sorry. All I heard was blah blah blah get a toyota Camry/corolla. Otherwise thanks for your time and work sir. Defiantly time wasting diagnosing that. It could be a gas guage or speedometer thing shorting out. The guages read by little tabs so if the tab is stuck between tabs then possibly it'd draw current. The computers in those is basically a Nintendo, so maybe CPU or reflow the motherboard. Look at CPU, might be some little itty bitty capacitor overheated or something. Might want to check that CPU. : /

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Abu Abdulla says:

    Sir in my 2007 yukon xl
    Battery light comes on
    some time when i start the engine it comes on
    And When i off the engine for sometime
    And restart the engine the battery light
    Go off
    And car run fine
    Battery is new
    And alternator is also new
    So can u tell me where is the problem

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars corey dinsdale says:

    I have a 2003 envoy, same vehicle basically, they are famous for battery draw.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Bucher says:

    Great job narrowing it down. I haven't worked in a shop in 17 years so im rusty, you helped refresh my brain. My 02 has been draining the battery and I've been to lazy as i don't exactly enjoy troubleshooting electrical problems, but i think i may pull out the multi meter and have a look . I noticed sometimes my interior lights and dash don't want to go to sleep so i turned the dimmer switch all the way down seems to help but if it sits a week it's dead. Thanks for sharing !

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Martin Kucic says:

    Must be the lead whiskers.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Logue says:

    I found my draw to be the ignition switch

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kenny Bentley says:

    Is it a possibility the security system is activating some of the functions thru the instrument cluster.With the key off when security system goes off. the circuit includes the instrument cluster. Also My trail blazer had a light for security system on cluster, I think. Just trying to help. Thank you for video.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars larry mencke says:

    did you unplug the rear splice pack under the rear seat eric? Robinsons auto has an excellent fideo on the same problem for an o4 trailblazar

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Timothy Gunckel says:

    I have seen this on my 03 silverado, started with the guages in 2017 and progressed to .25 amp draw. I have yet to replace it.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Glen Hill says:

    do you have any issue with 95' chevy cheyenne 3500 3rd break light LED replacements break light staying on? do you think i need resistor? or cut yellow wire? or different?

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lynnea Y says:

    I have a 2002 Chevy trailblazer that has the same problem.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.