use. Refer to Causes of Battery Discharging in this
Group for more information.
NOTE: CLEAR COLOR = Replace Battery
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE, ASSIST BOOST,
LOAD TEST, OR ADD WATER TO THE BATTERY
WHEN CLEAR COLOR DOT IS VISIBLE. PERSONAL
INJURY MAY OCCUR.
A clear color dot shows electrolyte level in battery
is below the test indicator (Fig. 1). Water cannot be
added to a maintenance free battery. The battery
must be replaced. A low electrolyte level may be
caused by an over charging condition. Refer to Gen-
erator Test Procedures on Vehicle.
CAUSES OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 25 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF
position, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The con-
tinuous draw is due to various electronic features or
accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period of approximately 20
days the IOD fuse should be pulled. The fuse is
located in the power distribution center. Disconnec-
tion of this fuse will reduce the level of battery dis-
charge. Refer to Battery Diagnosis and Testing table
and to the proper procedures.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
²Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
²Loose or worn generator drive belt.
²Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories
installed after delivery.
²Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use.²Defective electrical circuit or component causing
excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Battery
Ignition Off Draw (IOD).
²Defective charging system.
²Defective battery.
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
High current draw on the battery with the ignition
OFF will discharge a battery. After a dead battery is
serviced the vehicle Ignition Off Draw (IOD) should
be checked. Determine if a high current draw condi-
tion exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
²Remove key from ignition switch
²Turn off all lights
²Liftgate and glove box door is closed
²Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
²All doors are closed
²Allow the Illuminated Entry System to time out
in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
²During Transmission Control Module (TCM)
power down there will be 500 milliamperes present
for 20 minutes. Afterwards less than 1.0 milliampere.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Always disconnect the meter before
opening a door.
(3) Using an multimeter, that has least a milliam-
pere range of 200 mA. Set meter to the highest mA
range. Install meter between the battery negative
cable and battery negative post (Fig. 5). Carefully
remove the test lamp without disconnecting the
meter. After all modules time-out the total vehicle
IOD should be less than 25 milliamperes. If ignition
off draw is more than 25 milliamperes go to Step 4.
(4) Each time the test lamp or milliampere meter
is disconnected and connected, all electronic timer
functions will be activated for approximately one
minute. The Body Control Module (BCM) ignition off
draw can reach 90 milliamperes.
(5) Remove the PDC fuses:
²Interior lamps
²Brake lamp
²IOD
(6) If there is any reading, with fuses removed
there is a short circuit in the wiring. Refer to Group
8W, wiring diagrams. If reading is less than 25 mA
go to Step 8.
(7) Install all fuses. After installing fuse, the cur-
rent can reach 90 mA. After time-out the reading
should not exceed 25 mA. If OK go to. If not, discon-
nect:
²Radio
²Body Control Module
²Remote Keyless Entry Module
Fig. 3 Test Indicator
NSBATTERY 8A - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
