I found out my car battery always losing its charge after I leave it overnight. I am sure i did not accidently left the headlight on. Also I just change the battery 2 weeks ago. I think my Gen 2 got a parasitic battery drain. This is my first DIY, so please leave a comment.
I got below procedure from (http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Parasitic-Battery-Drain). Add info on what I did for my Gen 2.
Introduction
When your car battery goes dead overnight, usually either the battery is at the end of its life span, or you left something on, such as a light. Occasionally something is drawing power that’s not of your doing. This is a parasitic draw, and it can cause the same result as leaving the headlights on: a dead battery in the morning.
1.Remove the negative side battery cable from the negative battery terminal.
DSCN5744comp.JPG (image)
DSCN5743.JPG (image)
2. Attach an ammeter(this measures amperage) between the negative cable and the negative battery post. Wait a few seconds to several minutes for the car to go into sleep mode - i.e. when you make the contact with the ammeter, the cars computer systems "wake up". After a bit of time they will go back to "sleep".
Writer:
-I cannot verify if my Gen 2 can wake up or sleep.
-Select Ampere DC on my multimeter.
-Connect Multimeter RED probe to -ve cable.
-Connect Multimeter BLACK probe to -ve battery terminal. I use my wife clothes peg to secure probe.
If the ammeter is reading over 25-50 milliamps, something is using too much battery power.
Writer:
My Gen 2 is drawing 1.427A. Too high from above info.
DSCN5745.JPG (image)
3. Go to the fuse panel(s) and remove fuses, one at a time. Pull the main fuses (higher amp ratings)last. Be sure to observe the ammeter after pulling each fuse.
Watch for the ammeter to drop to acceptable drain. The fuse that reduces the drain is the draw. Consult the owners' manual or service manual to find what circuits are on that fuse.
Writer
-There is a fuse puller in the fuse box. I use a long nose plier to pull the fuses. It is easier.
-Found out when I pull out fuse no 24, the current drop from 1.427A to 0.004A.
-Diagram on fuse box cover indicate the fuse is for "Memory"
-Diagram on manual show it for "Radio, Alarm Control Unit, TCU Assy, Ignition key illumination timer, Room lamp,trunk room lamp,door control unit, meter cluster and siren assembly".
DSCN5753.JPG (image)
DSCN5754.JPG (image)
DSCN5752.JPG (image)
4.Check each device (circuit) on that fuse. Stop each lamp, heater, etc. to find the drain.
Repeat steps 1&2 to test your repair. The ammeter will tell you exact numbers.
A parasitic drain is when an electrical device is using battery power when the car is closed, and the ignition key removed. Therefore, when doing this test make sure that the dome light, under hood light, trunk light, etc. are off.
Writer:
-For the time being, i just remove the fuse temporarily.
-Currently my Gen 2 can start and drive normally. All the related component listed sharing fuse 24 are not working. No clock, no alarm, no radio. < --- as long as I can still use the car to go to work, I am fine with it.
-Will check with car electrician to confirm wiring.
For full DIY steps with pictures go to my blog Pimp My Gen2
I got below procedure from (http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Parasitic-Battery-Drain). Add info on what I did for my Gen 2.
Introduction
When your car battery goes dead overnight, usually either the battery is at the end of its life span, or you left something on, such as a light. Occasionally something is drawing power that’s not of your doing. This is a parasitic draw, and it can cause the same result as leaving the headlights on: a dead battery in the morning.
1.Remove the negative side battery cable from the negative battery terminal.
DSCN5744comp.JPG (image)
DSCN5743.JPG (image)
2. Attach an ammeter(this measures amperage) between the negative cable and the negative battery post. Wait a few seconds to several minutes for the car to go into sleep mode - i.e. when you make the contact with the ammeter, the cars computer systems "wake up". After a bit of time they will go back to "sleep".
Writer:
-I cannot verify if my Gen 2 can wake up or sleep.
-Select Ampere DC on my multimeter.
-Connect Multimeter RED probe to -ve cable.
-Connect Multimeter BLACK probe to -ve battery terminal. I use my wife clothes peg to secure probe.
If the ammeter is reading over 25-50 milliamps, something is using too much battery power.
Writer:
My Gen 2 is drawing 1.427A. Too high from above info.
DSCN5745.JPG (image)
3. Go to the fuse panel(s) and remove fuses, one at a time. Pull the main fuses (higher amp ratings)last. Be sure to observe the ammeter after pulling each fuse.
Watch for the ammeter to drop to acceptable drain. The fuse that reduces the drain is the draw. Consult the owners' manual or service manual to find what circuits are on that fuse.
Writer
-There is a fuse puller in the fuse box. I use a long nose plier to pull the fuses. It is easier.
-Found out when I pull out fuse no 24, the current drop from 1.427A to 0.004A.
-Diagram on fuse box cover indicate the fuse is for "Memory"
-Diagram on manual show it for "Radio, Alarm Control Unit, TCU Assy, Ignition key illumination timer, Room lamp,trunk room lamp,door control unit, meter cluster and siren assembly".
DSCN5753.JPG (image)
DSCN5754.JPG (image)
DSCN5752.JPG (image)
4.Check each device (circuit) on that fuse. Stop each lamp, heater, etc. to find the drain.
Repeat steps 1&2 to test your repair. The ammeter will tell you exact numbers.
A parasitic drain is when an electrical device is using battery power when the car is closed, and the ignition key removed. Therefore, when doing this test make sure that the dome light, under hood light, trunk light, etc. are off.
Writer:
-For the time being, i just remove the fuse temporarily.
-Currently my Gen 2 can start and drive normally. All the related component listed sharing fuse 24 are not working. No clock, no alarm, no radio. < --- as long as I can still use the car to go to work, I am fine with it.
-Will check with car electrician to confirm wiring.
For full DIY steps with pictures go to my blog Pimp My Gen2
