Parasitic drain 99 Tahoe z71

[Baylee Brown]

I’ll start looking for a parasitic draw starting 10/8/19 in my 99 Tahoe. Does anyone have any suggestions or short cuts they’re willing to share? I’ve been out on workers comp for the past 3 weeks due to smoke inhalation at the fire department and I’m tired of driving my back-up vehicle, a 1965 f-100 with no A/C, or power anything so I’ve been burning my nostrils driving around in the heat so I’m just going to bite the bullet while I have the time. Full disclosure advanced auto parts left off the negative wire after I bought a new battery that lasted me 6 six years and corporate said they’ll pay 100% to get it fixed but the mechanic they wanted to take it to didn’t have the equipment to diagnose/fix it. My mechanic spent about 4 hours on it and couldn’t find it so now it’s in my driveway. I’ve never looked for a parasitic drain so I’ll be grateful for any suggestions. Otherwise google will be my go to for a how-to video.

 

[east302]

Here’s a good video on it.

Let us know which circuit is the culprit. I can pass along the relevant wiring diagrams if you need them.

 

[trevcda]

Check the vanity mirrors in your sun visors. The plastic can get weak and break on the hinge part. Unfortunately, with the cover still over them, they may be on and you'll never see it unless you happen to be in a very dark place with no street lights and happen to catch a sliver of light. My battery kept draining, even after disconnecting the stereo, amps and anything else that wasn't factory. I started carrying a spare charged battery with me for anything overnight. I was camping and had the interior light defeat button engaged and climbed in the back to go to sleep and saw the light on above the visor. Rigged it that night so it would shut off and it started right up the next day! Grabbed a screw driver and pulled the visor down and disconnected the electrical connection and reinstalled it until I could find suitable replacements. Remember, the replacements are likely 20+ years old and made with the same plastic, so choose carefully.