2012 Chevrolet Silverado, Battery Goes Dead

This 2012 Chevrolet Silverado came in with the complaint that the battery would go dead if the owner let the truck sit for a week. No one was able to replicate the concern including myself. I went a couple of steps further and eventually got the truck to act up. I was concerned that the … Continue reading “2012 Chevrolet Silverado, Battery Goes Dead”

2010 Toyota Tacoma IG1 2 Fuse Blows – Battery Goes Dead

This 2010 Toyota Tacoma came in with the complaint that the IG1  No2 fuse would blow sometimes. The IG1 NO2 fuse is located in the interior fuse box behind this panel. After pulling the door open the whole unit can be lifted up and off of the hinge detents. The interior fuse box legend with … Continue reading “2010 Toyota Tacoma IG1 2 Fuse Blows – Battery Goes Dead”

Why Does Your Battery Go Dead?

“Why does my car or truck battery go dead?” is probably the most common question asked in the world of automotive electrical repair. The reasons can be broken down into four general causes. The battery is faulty. The charging system is not working properly. There is a drain on the system. Faulty cable connections The … Continue reading “Why Does Your Battery Go Dead?”

2004 Cadillac CTS Ignition Will Not Turn Off Completely

This 2004 Cadillac CTS came in with the complaint that the ignition switch would not fully turn off. The engine started and ran normally and could be turned off but the key would stop rotating as if the shifter was still in gear. As a result the battery would go dead. First things first if … Continue reading “2004 Cadillac CTS Ignition Will Not Turn Off Completely”

2012 Chevrolet Express Van Horn Stuck On Battery Goes Dead

This 2012 Chevrolet Express van came in with the complaint that the horn was stuck on and the the battery goes dead even though the horn has been disabled/disconnected. The customer could not accurately explain how the horn had been disconnected. I figured that the fuse or the relay must have been removed. The cover … Continue reading “2012 Chevrolet Express Van Horn Stuck On Battery Goes Dead”

2005 Acura RL Battery Goes Dead While Parked

This 2005 Acura RL came in with the complaint that the battery would go dead if the car sat parked for more than three days straight. The battery had been replaced a couple of times already. I first connected a jump box connected in parallel to the battery before installing  the meter as shown below. … Continue reading “2005 Acura RL Battery Goes Dead While Parked”

1994 Lexus LS400 Battery Goes Dead

This 1994 Lexus LS400 came in with the complaint that the battery would go dead while the vehicle sat. The method in which I connect my multimeter has evolved over recent years into what you see below. I start by connecting a battery jump box to the battery positive terminal and a good chassis or … Continue reading “1994 Lexus LS400 Battery Goes Dead”

2011 Cadillac DTS, Battery Goes Dead Overnight

This 2011 Cadillac DTS came in with the complaint that the battery will go dead if the car sits for more than 12 hours. I traced the drain to the Driver’s Door Module fuse (DDM)  in the rear underseat fuse block.  I used an amp meter connected in series between the battery negative terminal and … Continue reading “2011 Cadillac DTS, Battery Goes Dead Overnight”

2006 Hyundai Tucson, Park Lights Stay On

This 2006 Hyundai Tucson came in with complaint that the park/tail lights would not turn off. As you can see below the park lights are on…. …. and the light switch is off. Testing begins at the interior fuse box at the driver’s door opening. I am pointing to the right hand tail light fuse. … Continue reading “2006 Hyundai Tucson, Park Lights Stay On”

1990 Subaru Legacy L, Battery Goes Dead

This 1990 Subaru Legacy L came in with the complaint that the battery would go dead while the vehicle sat for a couple of days. This little Subaru had been to two other shops including a dealership without having the problem resolved. The battery had been replaced three times and the seat belt retractor motors … Continue reading “1990 Subaru Legacy L, Battery Goes Dead”