Help: Noob needs some advice

[brayla]

I have an 03 dmax and the 15amp stereo fuse draws just under an amp after the key is off and all other circuits have been dropped. I found this by process of elimination by connecting an amp meter in series with the negative and turning the key to accessory and back off to find the draw. Was told by a buddy with a similar truck that the bcm may not be killing the stereo circuit like it should? The radio will not stay on after key is off, no lights or anything on it...... but still pulls .8 A?

I appreciate any help on this issue.

Thanks.

 

[03spoolindmax]

So when you pull the radio fuse your draw drops down?

Most manufactures consider .04-.06 amps or draw normal. Obviously your draw is to high but how long are you waiting before checking the draw after the key is shut off? I've seen some cars take up to 20 minutes before the bcm powers down and draw drops to spec.

 

[brayla]

So when you pull the radio fuse your draw drops down?

Most manufactures consider .04-.06 amps or draw normal. Obviously your draw is to high but how long are you waiting before checking the draw after the key is shut off? I've seen some cars take up to 20 minutes before the bcm powers down and draw drops to spec.

Yes it drops to an acceptable amount once the fuse is pulled. It does take a few minutes (less than 5) for all circuits to drop with the fuse out, I left the fuse in and waited about 15 minutes and when I pulled the fuse it dropped. I've been through 2 sets of batteries on this problem (warrantied thankfully) at first I thought I just bought cheapo batteries. Since I found the draw which was about 2 mo ago I pull the fuse when the truck sits (which is 90% of the time.... Its mainly a tow vehicle) and don't have any issues with the batteries holding a good charge.

 

[PACougar]

Stock deck or aftermarket?

 

[brayla]

I replaced the stock with an aftermarket for a different reason but troubleshooting was done with original stereo.

 

[03spoolindmax]

So is the draw still there with the aftermarket radio?

 

[brayla]

Yes the draw is still there..... I forgot to pull the fuse one night when we rolled in to camp last weekend and had dead batteries the next night.... Jump started, pulled the fuse and no issues since.

 

[03spoolindmax]

Do you have access to a wiring diagram? If so you can see what the fuse powers up besides the radio. Then you can go from there.

 

[brayla]

That's what I was searching for on here before I posted. I'll keep looking...... Thanks.

 

[PACougar]

Do you have an aftermarket alarm?

 

[brayla]

Do you have an aftermarket alarm?

Yes I do.....

 

[PACougar]

Yes I do.....

Ahh, try disconnecting the CAN bus interface adapter. I can almost guarantee it's the problem. I'm not sure about the newest version, but the old ones spit out all kinds of crap on the bus when they're not supposed too and it keeps stuff awake on the bus even when the vehicle is off.

 

[brayla]

Ahh, try disconnecting the CAN bus interface adapter. I can almost guarantee it's the problem. I'm not sure about the newest version, but the old ones spit out all kinds of crap on the bus when they're not supposed too and it keeps stuff awake on the bus even when the vehicle is off.

I'll give it a shot...... Are these available? And is it located under the dash? I appreciate the help!

 

[PACougar]

It would have been installed with the alarm. You may have to contact the shop that did the install.

 

[brayla]

Ohhh..... That was before I owned it..... I'll hunt for it.

 

[MMLMM]

Typically its a wire that's just tapped into the wire right at the obd port (behind it). Makes flashing (tuning) some trucks a joy until you look under there and see it :angry4:

Also:

 

[brayla]

Typically its a wire that's just tapped into the wire right at the obd port (behind it). Makes flashing (tuning) some trucks a joy until you look under there and see it :angry4:

Also:

Great thanks!! If I disconnect that wire and the amp draw goes away.... Should I replace the alarm system? Assuming it won't work once this wire is disconnected.

 

[PACougar]

Great thanks!! If I disconnect that wire and the amp draw goes away.... Should I replace the alarm system? Assuming it won't work once this wire is disconnected.

You shouldn't have to replace the whole alarm, just the interface box. Basically without it the alarm won't be able to operate the door locks and remote start won't work.