QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I have a 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD Diesel of which the battery loses power if I don't use it for 2-3 days. When disconnected the battery holds its charge well, but installed in the car with a multimeter between the negative pole and the negative clamp, no key in the ignition and everything off I read after a few minutes 0.16 Amp, which could explain things. The current drops to about zero when I remove the IOD fuse. I started taking out fuses from the fuse box, but so far I haven't found the circuit yet that is responsible for the leakage. In the meantime as a temporary solution, can I just continue driving with the IOD fuse out? or is there some disadvantage and would it be better to put back the fuse everytime? And a second question: any tips where to look for leakage if it is not related to any of the fuses? Perhaps the generator?
ANSWER: Hi Freek,
I assume that you are speaking of fuse 14, correct? And also just to be sure of the actual model year, is the 10th position of the vehicle identification number a "5"?
I doubt you will find any other fuses that are secondary to the IOD fuse. Probably the best thing to do is to tell you all the devices/modules/electrical components that are connected to the fuse 14 and then you can start removing those one at a time until you ID what is drawing the current. But do verify the fuse 14 and the "5" are correct.
Roland
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QUESTION: Thanks Ronald for your quick reply. It is as you suspected: the 10th digit of the vehicle ID is indeed a "5" . Inside the fusebox there are no numbers, just the abbreviation "IOD" but in the user manual there is a list of fuses where indeed F14 corresponds with "Ignition off draw". The fuse I removed and stopped the current leak was small and rated as 20A.
Greetings from Holland, Freek
ANSWER: Hi Freek,
Greetings from the US. By the way I ride a Batavus commuter bike everywhere and take great pride in it.
Here is the list of items connected to fuse 14:
overhead console, radio, body control module (plug 2 black/green pin 7), sentry key remote entry module (on the steering column), automatic temp controller, horn relay, park lamp relay, wiper on/off relay, wiper park sense, and finally for the diesel there is a heater assist module which is mounted under the vehicle.
It is not clear what the body controller controls but you will find it under the dash on the left end and it is attached to the fuse box located there, and has 4 black plugs (remove the one with the green interior would disconnect that wire).
I can't suggest which of these is most likely the cause. The IOD current should be about 25 milliamp. You might begin with the interior lights such as glove box/trunk light/engine compartment light. Then disconnect the alternator which if shorted would also be a reason.
Then go through the other components listed.
Let me know what you learn.
Please read the PS below and respond to it.
Thanks,
Roland
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QUESTION: Thanks Roland for the very detailed instructions. It will surely be of great help when trying to find the current leak. I also looked at the Haynes repair manual for this type of cars, but I found the wiring schemes quite incomplete. I will not be able to look at the problem soon (work-related trip to India for several weeks), so for the moment I have just disconnected the negative pole of the battery and showed the family what to do in case they need the van during my absence. I expect the real detective work will take place in April. I'll let you know if I find anything.
PS: I also ride a Batavus bike to work, but here that's very very common. The brand name refers to the tribe that used to live here along the river Rhine in Roman times.
AnswerYou are welcome. 0.16 amp is not much current by the way, at least to think it could pull down the battery voltage in 2-3 days. Maybe the battery is reaching the marginal point, or the IOD is variable and you didn't see it in the worst condition. But it should be lower that 0.16.
I checked Batavus and the translator said it means 'Dutch' in Latin, but now I know the history of 'Dutch'.
