96 Explorer Parasitic Drain
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96 Explorer Parasitic Drain
(I know this issue comes up often, just need help moving forward)
I am working on a 96 Explorer, 5.0, 4x4 that has a parasitic draw. Using an ammeter, I was able to confirm that, after going in to sleep mode, it's drawing anywhere from 400 mA up to 1Amp. I narrowed my search down to Fuse 25, which controls the GEM, and further to the top connector on the GEM (which seems to control at least the 4x4, among other things)
I need to know where to go from here. I have replaced the GEM with a new one (or at least one pulled from a junk yard) and am still getting a reading of around 400 mA. Can anyone tell me all that is controlled by the top connector on the GEM? My guess is that there is a corroded wire somewhere in the vehicle that is the cause, but I'm not 100% certain.
Any help on the matter is much appreciated!
I am working on a 96 Explorer, 5.0, 4x4 that has a parasitic draw. Using an ammeter, I was able to confirm that, after going in to sleep mode, it's drawing anywhere from 400 mA up to 1Amp. I narrowed my search down to Fuse 25, which controls the GEM, and further to the top connector on the GEM (which seems to control at least the 4x4, among other things)
I need to know where to go from here. I have replaced the GEM with a new one (or at least one pulled from a junk yard) and am still getting a reading of around 400 mA. Can anyone tell me all that is controlled by the top connector on the GEM? My guess is that there is a corroded wire somewhere in the vehicle that is the cause, but I'm not 100% certain.
Any help on the matter is much appreciated!
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
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From: BC Canada
<400ma is considered normal for memory support, CPU, radio, alarm, auto entry and some other accessories (auto adjust seats, steering).....
As low as 40ma on basic equipt vehicles...
Your other drain, you will have to track down..
Have you checked the age, charge state and condition of the battery... Philip
As low as 40ma on basic equipt vehicles...
Your other drain, you will have to track down..
Have you checked the age, charge state and condition of the battery... Philip
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" <400ma is considered normal for memory support, CPU, radio, alarm, auto entry and some other accessories (auto adjust seats, steering)....."
Are you sure about this? From everything I've read on the subject, 50mA should be the absolute max draw, including for what you listed above.
As for the battery, the one that was in previously was purchased in October. I was testing with both an alternate battery from a different vehicle, as well as the brand new warrantied replacement that I got from the original, same results each time.
Are you sure about this? From everything I've read on the subject, 50mA should be the absolute max draw, including for what you listed above.
As for the battery, the one that was in previously was purchased in October. I was testing with both an alternate battery from a different vehicle, as well as the brand new warrantied replacement that I got from the original, same results each time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,817
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
If you'd like a wiring diagram for the GEM, send me a Private Message with the request AND an e-mail address and I'll e-mail you a PDF of the diagram. In the mean time you might pull the accessory delay relay and see if the drain goes away.
If I recall correctly the factory service manual suggests the normal current draw in standby mode (after 45 minutes since the last door was closed with key removed from the ignition) should be 70 mA or less. I can check the manual for that info as well.
-Rod
If I recall correctly the factory service manual suggests the normal current draw in standby mode (after 45 minutes since the last door was closed with key removed from the ignition) should be 70 mA or less. I can check the manual for that info as well.
-Rod
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,817
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
From the 1996 Ford Factory Service Manual for the Explorer:
Drain Testing
Check for current drains on the battery in excess of 50 milliamps with all the electrical accessories off and the vehicle at rest. Current drains can be tested with the following procedure.
NOTE: You must wait approximately 50 minutes after doors have been opened before performing this test. Some vehicles will not return to normal key-off drain for 50 minutes.
Typically, a drain of approximately one amp can be attributed to an engine compartment lamp, glove compartment lamp, or luggage compartment lamp staying on continually. Other component failures or wiring shorts may be located by selectively pulling fuses or disconnecting fuse links to pinpoint the location of the current drain. When the current drain is found, the meter reading will fall to an acceptable level. If the short is still not located, after checking all the fuses and fuse links, the drain may be due to the generator.
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-Rod
Drain Testing
Check for current drains on the battery in excess of 50 milliamps with all the electrical accessories off and the vehicle at rest. Current drains can be tested with the following procedure.
NOTE: You must wait approximately 50 minutes after doors have been opened before performing this test. Some vehicles will not return to normal key-off drain for 50 minutes.
Typically, a drain of approximately one amp can be attributed to an engine compartment lamp, glove compartment lamp, or luggage compartment lamp staying on continually. Other component failures or wiring shorts may be located by selectively pulling fuses or disconnecting fuse links to pinpoint the location of the current drain. When the current drain is found, the meter reading will fall to an acceptable level. If the short is still not located, after checking all the fuses and fuse links, the drain may be due to the generator.
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-Rod
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