Parasitic Drain Narrowed to Fuse, what to do?

[02tahoeindiana]

I've had a parasitic drain for a year or so now and finally figured out what fuse it is, using multimeter and then letting it sit for days to be sure. Its my stereo fuse. I have an aftermarket head unit I installed and its done it ever since, The head unit DOES turn off with the truck and when i unplug the head unit from the truck it does not effect the drain, only removing the fuse does. Also removing the factory amp fuse does not effect the drain. I really need this fixed before winter cause i have to jump my truck if it sits for more than 3-4 days. Anyone had similar problems or solutions? Sorry for the lengthy post but i have the problem narrowed as much as i can get it and need expert help lol

 

[OmarR]

For 03+ years, the radio fuse also powers (if equipped) the XM unit, analog clock, and rear seat audio controller (RSA).

I can't imagine an 02 being too far off from that. If you have any of those components, I would unplug them one by one while doing another drain test with your multimeter.

 

[02tahoeindiana]

For 03+ years, the radio fuse also powers (if equipped) the XM unit, analog clock, and rear seat audio controller (RSA).

I can't imagine an 02 being too far off from that. If you have any of those components, I would unplug them one by one while doing another drain test with your multimeter.

I dont have XM unit but i do have, Onstar, RSA, so i will try those, i dont know of any analog clock in my truck...but thanks i will do the two i know first!

 

[02tahoeindiana]

Bump for more opinions/solutions to check for, want to have all bases covered

 

[Jatruh78]

Hey buddy, you said you had a aftermarket radio installed? I know you said you tried unplugging it but that didn't work. Was it completely unplugged,(meaning from factory harness end?) I've worked in car audio for 15 years now and I've seen some crazy installs(meaning whoever installed it had no idea what they were doing) and I know that we used to sell a converter that plugged into the factory harness to retain ONSTAR, Door CHIMES and other stuff even tho the vehicle didn't need it. The converters were ALWAYS going BAD and causing DRAINS. Just make sure when you unplug everything all the way back to a really nice looking factory harness. We use to shove the boxes and wiring way back up under the dash or behind the heater controls so just make sure it's all factory. Goodluck Let me Know. Have a good one.

 

[02tahoeindiana]

Thanks alot for the reply man! Unfortunately i did unplug it all the way back to the factory harness, when i installed i skipped out on the converter seeing as how i never use onstar. Now its to the point of unplugging everything i can get my hands on in effort to stop this before it gets cold, hopefully soon enough i will find it!

Hey buddy, you said you had a aftermarket radio installed? I know you said you tried unplugging it but that didn't work. Was it completely unplugged,(meaning from factory harness end?) I've worked in car audio for 15 years now and I've seen some crazy installs(meaning whoever installed it had no idea what they were doing) and I know that we used to sell a converter that plugged into the factory harness to retain ONSTAR, Door CHIMES and other stuff even tho the vehicle didn't need it. The converters were ALWAYS going BAD and causing DRAINS. Just make sure when you unplug everything all the way back to a really nice looking factory harness. We use to shove the boxes and wiring way back up under the dash or behind the heater controls so just make sure it's all factory. Goodluck Let me Know. Have a good one.

 

[Riff Raff]

i've had this problem for a few months

battery dead over night,kranks up 10 to 20 times a day no problem

but once she sits over night the battery is dead

blew the radio fuse under the hood installing a radio

but replaced it with a 20a fuse not the 15a

you think the 20a fuse would cause it to drain??

im pulling my hair out on this