Parasitic loads - GM trucks & SUV's
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 that I bought new 3 1/2 years ago (now out of warranty). I’m beginning to believe the electrical system was designed by Lucas Electric, the Price of Darkness. (For those...
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First I would have the battery load tested to be 100% sure that it is not the problem. After that look for the obvious like a radar detector left in the 12v socket or lights that do not shut off completely.
With my other vehicles the 12v outlet was only powered when the ignition was turned off. Not the case with my GM truck and SUV and this is both good and bad. It helps when I want to charge my cell phone with the vehicle turned off but I have accidentally drained the battery of my truck by leaving the radar detector attached.
My GM SUV has a rear light (not LED) that would turn itself on. I ended up pulling the bulb out and this fixed the problem in terms of the battery discharge.
With my other vehicles the 12v outlet was only powered when the ignition was turned off. Not the case with my GM truck and SUV and this is both good and bad. It helps when I want to charge my cell phone with the vehicle turned off but I have accidentally drained the battery of my truck by leaving the radar detector attached.
My GM SUV has a rear light (not LED) that would turn itself on. I ended up pulling the bulb out and this fixed the problem in terms of the battery discharge.
