Battery draining.
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Battery draining.
I'm new here and thought this looked like a good forum to join. I have a battery draining issue that's been driving me crazy. (long story) In short, my battery is new and IS good. My alternator is new an IS good. So far I have narrowed it down to my 50A fuse in my Power Distribution Box. This fuse location is listed as Central Junction Box. My battery typically drains it 12 hrs, but If I pull this 50A fuse my battery will not drain. I am not a mechanic so I will need a lil help here. What should I do from here? Has anyone had this type of problem? Where is the Central Junction Box?
The dealership has done nothing but say they cant find the problem and dont think there is one. gggrrrrrr.... but they dont know why the battery is dying. Thanks for any help.
2002 F150 Crew Cab FX4 5.4L V8
The dealership has done nothing but say they cant find the problem and dont think there is one. gggrrrrrr.... but they dont know why the battery is dying. Thanks for any help.
2002 F150 Crew Cab FX4 5.4L V8
Last edited by ryutzy; Jan 15, 2011 at 01:16 PM. Reason: forgot vehicle type
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
The CJB is located behind the right side kick panel.
The CJB has several connectors feeding "Hot at all times" circuits.
You need to obtain a clamp on meter and observe the current flow as you pull the fuses for the other circuits.
The 50amp fuse is the main for the CJB.
Think of your house panel. You have a main breaker that controls the power to the branch circuits that have their own breakers.
The CJB has several connectors feeding "Hot at all times" circuits.
You need to obtain a clamp on meter and observe the current flow as you pull the fuses for the other circuits.
The 50amp fuse is the main for the CJB.
Think of your house panel. You have a main breaker that controls the power to the branch circuits that have their own breakers.
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Thanks for the info Shorebird. I will try to obtain a clamp on meter and remove that kick panel to expose the CBJ. I hope this help me solve the issue. I'm so tired of fighting this issue, especially with the dealership.
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Well I'm still at a loss. I did expose the central junction box. I did not have a clamp on meter. I was told that I could do the same thing by disconnecting the -battery cable and using a volt meter on the battery post to check the draw as I disconnect everything on the cjb. Well I was not able to find a significant change on the volt meter with everything unplugged or as I plugged it back in. I dont know if this was a bit of false info or not. If I do get a clamp on meter, where exactly do I attach it? Everything is just attached by connecter plugs.
One other thing I would like to try is the GEM module. Does anyone know where this is located and exactly what it does? The dealership said they could replace it for an astronomical fee and said it might or might not help. Would I be able to get a GEM module at the junk yard and install it myself? Any help would be great!
One other thing I would like to try is the GEM module. Does anyone know where this is located and exactly what it does? The dealership said they could replace it for an astronomical fee and said it might or might not help. Would I be able to get a GEM module at the junk yard and install it myself? Any help would be great!
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
. If I do get a clamp on meter, where exactly do I attach it? Everything is just attached by connecter plugs.
One other thing I would like to try is the GEM module. Does anyone know where this is located and exactly what it does? The dealership said they could replace it for an astronomical fee and said it might or might not help. Would I be able to get a GEM module at the junk yard and install it myself? Any help would be great!
One other thing I would like to try is the GEM module. Does anyone know where this is located and exactly what it does? The dealership said they could replace it for an astronomical fee and said it might or might not help. Would I be able to get a GEM module at the junk yard and install it myself? Any help would be great!
Clamp the meter just as the wiring leaves the battery.
The meter senses the current flow through the wiring.
You may want to have someone to watch the meter as you pull and replace fuses.
Why do you think that the GEM is a problem?
I also do not understand what you are referring to as the GEM.
Would you actually mean the PCM (powertrain control module)?
My Ford wiring manual does not list a GEM.
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Thanks for the clarification shorebird. I do have a meter coming.
When my battery is too "dead" to start my truck but still has some juice left it will lock/unlock my truck for no reason. The interior lights will flash etc. I was told the the Gem module can sometimes be responsible for that. (what it exactly does I cant tell you) I was told that if the Gem gets wet it can cause weird electrical stuff (like the lights). I do believe it sits on top of my interior fuse panel. Now I hope that is not all bogus info---I have not had time to tear it apart to see for myself. I also have no idea how it would get whet where it is located. I also am not sure how the Gem and my 50A fuse would be connected. When I pull my 50A fuse my battery will not drain and that fuse powers my CJB. So I'm still chasing that lead for now.
When my battery is too "dead" to start my truck but still has some juice left it will lock/unlock my truck for no reason. The interior lights will flash etc. I was told the the Gem module can sometimes be responsible for that. (what it exactly does I cant tell you) I was told that if the Gem gets wet it can cause weird electrical stuff (like the lights). I do believe it sits on top of my interior fuse panel. Now I hope that is not all bogus info---I have not had time to tear it apart to see for myself. I also have no idea how it would get whet where it is located. I also am not sure how the Gem and my 50A fuse would be connected. When I pull my 50A fuse my battery will not drain and that fuse powers my CJB. So I'm still chasing that lead for now.
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Well after tearing into it today it appears like it could be my stereo pulling the draw. According to my meter it is pulling the most juice. I pulled my stereo and unplugged it. I will have to see if my truck starts in the morning. Thanks for your help so far shorebird.
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Good troubleshooting!
If a battery drains in 12 hours, it must be losing more than 1 A. That's a lot.
I also heard a slightly drained battery can cause weird electrical issues. No first hand experience though.
If a battery drains in 12 hours, it must be losing more than 1 A. That's a lot.
I also heard a slightly drained battery can cause weird electrical issues. No first hand experience though.
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