Jump to content

Parasitic Battery Drain

AndyJ

Recommended Posts

AndyJ Enthusiast

AndyJ

Posted
Posted

I have a different type problem I need some help with...

 

 

The vehicle is an '04 2500 4x4 8.1 Suburban.

 

 

I tow it behind my motorhome from jobsite to job site. To tow all 4 wheels down , there is a process you go through detailed in the owner's manual that shifts the tranny and transfer cases into neutral. You then put the gear shift in Park, turn the ignition to the ACC positiion (to unlock the steering wheel) and away you go. The big ol' b*tch tows great BTW.

 

 

The problem is that many times after towing 6-8 hours, the battery is dead on the 'Burb. I turn off everything like fans and radio but the dash lights are still on and the BCM is still active. From doing some research, I understand I need to pul the BCM fuse.

 

 

Only problem is I have no idea which fuse it is! I cannot disconnect the NEG cable from the battery since I have to power an auxiliary braking system in the 'Burb.

 

If anyone has additional suggestions to shut down unnecessary systems, I would appreciate it. I *really* need to now which fuse to pull for the BCM.

 

 

Thanks!

AndyJ Enthusiast

AndyJ

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I will pull it in a minute from the Service Manual

 

Thanks Mike,

 

One guy told me he pulled the IGN0 fuse on his 2001 and it shut off the dash lights --- not so on mine.

jrrod2004 Senior Enthusiast

jrrod2004

Posted
Posted

Here is the whole darn page from the Service Manual:

 

The ones that I would want to pull would be the

 

TBC BATT

 

Truck Body Controller Battery Feed

 

 

 

 

 

and possibly the

 

IGN 0

 

PCM, TCM

 

TBC IGN 0

 

Truck Body Controller

 

 

TBC 2C

 

Truck Body Controller

 

 

 

 

 

TBC 2B

 

Truck Body Controller

 

TBC 2A

 

Truck Body Controller

 

 

 

 

 

 

gmLogoFlat.gif Service Information

 

2004 Chevrolet Chevy Suburban - 4WD | Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual | Document ID: 864402 Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems.

 

Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating.

 

If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that you can get along without - like the radio or cigarette lighter - and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.

 

Instrument Panel Fuse Block

 

807404.gif

 

 

The fuse block access door is on the driver's side edge of the instrument panel. Pull off the cover to access the fuse block.

 

To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse between your thumb and index finger and pull straight out.

 

You may have spare fuses located behind the fuse block access door. These can be used to replace a bad fuse. However, make sure it is of the correct amperage.

 

 

849611.gif

 

Fuses

 

Usage

 

RR Wiper

 

Rear Window Wiper Switch

 

SEO ACCY

 

Special Equipment Option Accessory

 

WS WPR

 

Windshield Wipers

 

TBC ACCY

 

Truck Body Controller Accessory

 

IGN 3

 

Ignition, Heated Seats

 

4WD

 

Four-Wheel Drive System, Auxiliary Battery

 

HTR A/C

 

Climate Control System

 

LOCK

 

Power Door Lock Relay (Lock Function)

 

HVAC 1

 

Inside Rearview Mirror, Climate Control System

 

L DOOR

 

Driver's Door Harness Connection

 

CRUISE

 

Cruise Control

 

UNLOCK

 

Power Door Lock Relay (Unlock Function)

 

RR FOG LP

 

Rear Fog Lamp (Export Only)

 

BRAKE

 

Anti-Lock Brake System

 

DRIVER UNLOCK

 

Power Door Lock Relay (Driver's Door Unlock Function)

 

IGN 0

 

PCM, TCM

 

TBC IGN 0

 

Truck Body Controller

 

VEH CHMSL

 

Vehicle and Trailer High Mounted Stoplamp

 

LT TRLR ST/TRN

 

Left Turn Signal/Stop Trailer

 

LT TRN

 

Left Turn Signals and Sidemarkers

 

VEH STOP

 

Vehicle Stoplamps, Brake Module, Electronic Throttle Control Module

 

RT TRLR ST/TRN

 

Right Turn Signal/Stop Trailer

 

RT TRN

 

Right Turn Signals and Sidemarkers

 

BODY

 

Harness Connector

 

DDM

 

Driver Door Module

 

AUX PWR 2

 

Rear Cargo Area Power Outlets

 

LOCKS

 

Power Door Lock System

 

ECC

 

Rear Electronic Climate Control, Liftgate

 

TBC 2C

 

Truck Body Controller

 

FLASH

 

Flasher Module

 

CB LT DOORS

 

Left Power Window Circuit Breaker

 

TBC 2B

 

Truck Body Controller

 

TBC 2A

 

Truck Body Controller

 

Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block

The center instrument panel utility block is located underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.

 

 

849614.gif

 

Device

 

Usage

 

SEO

 

Special Equipment Option

 

TRAILER

 

Trailer Brake Wiring

 

UPFIT

 

Upfitter (Not Used)

 

SL RIDE

 

Ride Control Harness Connection

 

HDLR 2

 

Headliner Wiring Connector

 

BODY

 

Body Wiring Connector

 

DEFOG

 

Rear Defogger Relay

 

HDLNR 1

 

Headliner Wiring Connector 1

 

SPARE RELAY

 

Not Used

 

CB SEAT

 

Driver and Passenger Seat Module Circuit Breaker

 

CB RT DOOR

 

Right Power Window Circuit Breaker

 

SPARE

 

Not Used

 

INFO

 

Infotainment Harness Connection

 

Underhood Fuse Block

 

805146.gif

 

The underhood fuse block in the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle near the battery. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block.

 

To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse between your thumb and index finger and pull straight out.

 

See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on its location.

 

 

872399.gif

 

*1 -- Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #2.

 

*2 -- Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #1.

 

*3 -- Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.

 

*4 -- Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.

 

*5 -- PCM Ignition

 

Fuses

 

Usage

 

GLOW PLUG

 

Not Used

 

CUST FEED

 

Gasoline Accessory Power

 

STUD #1

 

Auxiliary Power (Single Battery and Diesels Only)/Dual Battery (TP2) Do not install fuse.

 

MBEC

 

Mid Bussed Electrical Center Power Feed, Front Seats, Right Doors

 

BLOWER

 

Front Climate Control Fan

 

LBEC

 

Left Bussed Electrical Center, Door Modules, Door Locks, Auxiliary Power Outlet--Rear Cargo Area and Instrument Panel

 

STUD 2

 

Accessory Power/Trailer Wiring Brake Feed

 

ABS

 

Anti-Lock Brakes

 

VSES/ECAS

 

Vehicle Stability

 

IGN A

 

Ignition Power

 

IGN B

 

Ignition Power

 

LBEC 1

 

Left Bussed Electrical Center, Left Doors, Truck Body Controller, Flasher Module

 

TRL PARK

 

Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring

 

RR PARK

 

Right Rear Parking and Sidemarker Lamps

 

LR PARK

 

Left Rear Parking and Sidemarker Lamps

 

PARK LP

 

Parking Lamps Relay

 

STARTER

 

Starter Relay

 

INTPARK

 

Interior Lamps

 

STOP LP

 

Stoplamps

 

TBC BATT

 

Truck Body Controller Battery Feed

 

SUNROOF

 

Sunroof

 

SEO B2

 

Off-Road Lamps

 

4WS

 

Vent Solenoid Canister/Quadrasteer Module Power

 

RR HVAC

 

Rear Climate Control

 

AUX PWR

 

Auxiliary Power Outlet -- Console

 

IGN 1

 

Ignition Relay

 

PCM 1

 

Powertrain Control Module

 

ETC/ECM

 

Electronic Throttle Control, Electronic Brake Controller

 

IGN E

 

Instrument Panel Cluster, Air Conditioning Relay, Turn Signal/Hazard Switch, Starter Relay

 

RTD

 

Ride Control

 

TRL B/U

 

Backup Lamps Trailer Wiring

 

PCM B

 

Powertrain Control Module, Fuel Pump

 

F/PMP

 

Fuel Pump (Relay)

 

B/U LP

 

Back-up Lamps, Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System

 

RR DEFOG

 

Rear Window Defogger

 

HDLP-HI

 

Headlamp High Beam Relay

 

PRIME

 

Not Used

 

SIR

 

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System

 

FRT PARK

 

Front Parking Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps

 

DRL

 

Daytime Running Lamps (Relay)

 

SEO IGN

 

Rear Defog Relay

 

TBC IGN1

 

Truck Body Controller Ignition

 

HI HDLP-LT

 

High Beam Headlamp-Left

 

LH HID

 

Not Used

 

DRL

 

Daytime Running Lamps

 

IPC/DIC

 

Instrument Panel Cluster/Driver Information Center

 

HVAC/ECAS

 

Climate Control Controller

 

CIG LTR

 

Cigarette Lighter

 

HI HDLP-RT

 

High Beam Headlamp-Right

 

HDLP-LOW

 

Headlamp Low Beam Relay

 

A/C COMP

 

Air Conditioning Compressor

 

A/C COMP

 

Air Conditioning Compressor Relay

 

RR WPR

 

Rear Wiper/Washer

 

RADIO

 

Audio System

 

SEO B1

 

Mid Bussed Electrical Center, HomeLink, Rear Heated Seats

 

LO HDLP-LT

 

Headlamp Low Beam-Left

 

BTSI

 

Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System

 

CRANK

 

Starting System

 

LO HDLP-RT

 

Headlamp Low Beam-Right

 

FOG LP

 

Fog Lamp Relay

 

FOG LP

 

Fog Lamps

 

HORN

 

Horn Fuse

 

HORN

 

Horn Relay

 

W/S WASH

 

Windshield and Rear Window Washer Pump Relay

 

W/S WASH

 

Windshield and Rear Window Washer Pump

 

INFO

 

OnStar/Rear Seat Entertainment

 

RADIO AMP

 

Radio Amplifier

 

RH HID

 

Not Used

 

EAP

 

Electric Adjustable Pedals

 

TREC

 

All-Wheel Drive Module

 

SBA

 

Supplemental Brake Assist

 

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

jigsy19c Enthusiast

jigsy19c

Posted
Posted

Here's a shot in the dark....and for Pete's sake, you mechanics chime in to correct me if this wouldn't work !!!!

 

Why would you not just plug in a positive wire from your motorehome to the 'burb's battery.

The motorhome's alternator should keep your battery charged and may actually run the aux braking.

 

Of course, you'll need the right gauge cable for the braking and possibly an additional fuse, but, I'm sure someone here can help with that.

 

Good luck

jrrod2004 Senior Enthusiast

jrrod2004

Posted
Posted
Here's a shot in the dark....and for Pete's sake, you mechanics chime in to correct me if this wouldn't work !!!!

 

Why would you not just plug in a positive wire from your motorehome to the 'burb's battery.

The motorhome's alternator should keep your battery charged and may actually run the aux braking.

 

Of course, you'll need the right gauge cable for the braking and possibly an additional fuse, but, I'm sure someone here can help with that.

 

Good luck

 

 

Well, what I was going to originally suggest was to disconnect the battery, but he has duals.....It might help with a wire, but I am not sure

j.roffel Senior Enthusiast

j.roffel

Posted
Posted
Here's a shot in the dark....and for Pete's sake, you mechanics chime in to correct me if this wouldn't work !!!!

 

Why would you not just plug in a positive wire from your motorehome to the 'burb's battery.

The motorhome's alternator should keep your battery charged and may actually run the aux braking.

 

Of course, you'll need the right gauge cable for the braking and possibly an additional fuse, but, I'm sure someone here can help with that.

 

Good luck

 

You would need a negative as well as the positive going to the burb. However could you not fab some kind of harness that would power the aux brake as well as make the burbs brake lights work? I can't imagine it being too hard, just tie into the relays... although that would also use battery... Something to think about though.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Chuck FB
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Yes, and also pulling heavy trailers or a large camper up steep grades as well as descending grades such as the more rustic off road camping locations and using engine braking with that low gearing as well as soft ground can just suck the power . I realize pickups these days tend to have an over all lower first gear ratio compared to automatic transmission pickups from years back so that has helped a lot in its ability in high range but there comes a point if in four wheel drive the torque runs out at the wheels, certainly with a gas engine. They don't put two speed transfer cases on pickups for a cool factor, they have a function if one needs that massive torque to the wheels that high range can't deliver. 
    • Grumpy Bear
      Grumpy Bears 2015 Silverado 2WD

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Notes 7/18/2026   3,400 miles on this batch of Mobil 1 Euro 5W40 since the GDI pump replacement. Alcohol runs very clean when ring seal is tight and the sump isn't getting hosed with fuel. Checked oil level at fill up today as is my practice and grabbed a white Kleenex to look at the color. What color?  I was going to change it but.....  
    • Another JR
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Another JR · Posted

      4 low is really nice on steep boat ramps. 
    • Chuck FB
      Gas Prices

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Interesting, I suspect I would have fueled up in Lee Vining as the day prior I would have filled up either in Laughlin or near there and maybe again before I entered Death Valley and once out the other side late that evening as I kept on driving into the night up near Lee Vining. Next morning I most likely fueled up in LV before heading over Tioga Pass into ( as I refer to it as "Yose .... Mite" 😁 ). And again that was 19 years ago but the price then must not have jumped out at me like the 5 bill a gallon theme of nutty cult hippy country Big Sir or head so far up their rear Aspen. I'd be curious to know where the highest prices are in the lower 48, I probably would not be far off to guess somewhere in Cali forn ie. Coldfoot and Prudhoe bay may have those prices beat but that is a whole other world up there and when prices are more normal elsewhere that is about what they can be up there I believe in no mans land. Anyway interesting that the 395 corridor is hosing people and the thing is, its tourist season and its not like there are a lot of competition options when driving up that highway from what I could see. Yup, big ole Boaterhomes and various other RV's ahead and behind me at the Yosemite entrance gate and they have to get their fuel somewhere.  
    • Atlas
      Gas Prices

      By Atlas · Posted

      Those can be high, as well as the big California cities. The ones that will pop your eyes out are the 395 corridor on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. Lee Vining, $7.19 for regular and $8.89 for diesel is what the Google said right now.

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...