12 V Battery
The following procedure is for the 12 V battery only.
Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
Components most likely to cause a parasitic draw on the vehicles battery are switches, relays, and control modules. After the ignition is turned OFF the control modules will begin to go to sleep (shut OFF). All control modules do not go to sleep at the same time, some may take up to 30 minutes or longer after turning the ignition off before going to sleep e.g. RAP or IRAP. Other components such as EVAP, HVAC afterblow, EV Battery Heater/Coolers,
OnStar and keyless entry control modules (approach detection in keyless access vehicles) etc. may periodically wake up then go back to sleep. These are all normal conditions, use of a DMM set to Min/Max may help identify the normal types of spikes in the parasitic draws. EV Vehicles are equipped with Battery Saver mode & Battery Maintenance modes that can affect the current draw process and can be 100 mA. Refer to: Charging System Description and Operation for additional details.
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Diagnostic Aids
Active Draws
- If the battery voltage is interrupted by removing fuses, relays, module or component connectors, or disconnecting the battery may cause the condition to clear or reset. To prevent a loss of power when disconnecting the battery install the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent to the positive and negative battery cables prior disconnecting it to prevent a loss of voltage.
- Verify no aftermarket accessories are installed or connected to the Auxiliary Power Ports, Audio Ports, or DLC. e.g. insurance snapshot or tracking devices.
- On Some Vehicles the Auxiliary Power Ports can have B+ at all times (not controlled by RAP) by relocating the fuse in the fuseblock.
- Aftermarket accessories installed into the courtesy lamp circuit may cause the inadvertent power timer in the K9 Body Control Module (BCM) to keep resetting. This may cause the BCM to remain awake and cause a current drain on the battery.
- Verify that the battery and charging system are operating correctly. Refer to Battery Charging and Charging System Test.
- The K9 Body Control Module has discrete input and output terminals to control the vehicle's body functions. The K9 Body Control Module is wired to the High Speed GMLAN bus, Low Speed GMLAN bus and multiple Local Interconnect Network (LIN) buses and acts as a gateway between them. The various K9 Body Control Module input and output circuits are illustrated in the corresponding functional areas on the K9 Body
Control Module electrical schematics.
- The K9 Body Control Module functions as the power mode master. The ignition switch is a low current switch with multiple discrete ignition switch signals to the power mode master for determining the power mode that will be sent over the serial data circuits to the other devices that need this information; the power mode master will activate relays and other direct outputs of the power mode master as needed. Refer to Power Mode Description and Operation for a complete description of power mode functions.
- The K9 Body Control Module functions as a gateway or translator. The purpose of the gateway is to translate serial data messages between the High Speed GMLAN bus and the Low Speed GMLAN bus for communication between the various devices. The gateway will interact with each network according to that network's transmission protocol. All communication between the K9 Body Control Module and a scan tool is done through the
primary High Speed GMLAN bus.
- If an excessive current draw is not present during initial testing, continue periodic testing over a 1–2 hour period to see if the current draw increases and stays above an unacceptable level.
Intermittent Draws
- The Battery Draw Customer Verification Worksheet may be helpful isolating or duplicating the customers concern CCVS - Battery Draw
- When diagnosing an intermittent battery draw, if the battery voltage is interrupted by removing fuses, relays, module or component connectors, or disconnecting the battery may cause the condition to clear or reset. To prevent a loss of power when disconnecting the battery install the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent to the positive and negative battery cables prior disconnecting it to prevent a loss of voltage.
- Verify no aftermarket accessories are installed or connected to the Auxiliary Power Ports, Audio Ports, or DLC. e.g. insurance snapshot or tracking devices.
- On Some Vehicles the Auxiliary Power Ports can have B+ at all times (not controlled by RAP) by relocating the fuse in the fuseblock.
- Rule out customer driving habits such as regular short trips that do not allow enough time to properly charge the battery. Refer to Battery Description and Operation.
- Verify that the battery and charging system are operating correctly. Refer to Battery Charging and Charging System Test.
- A battery discharging for no apparent reason while the vehicle is parked can be caused by an intermittent draw, such as a module waking up, or a continuous draw, such as a dome light or stuck relay.
- The K9 Body Control Module has discrete input and output terminals to control the vehicle's body functions. The K9 Body Control Module is wired to the High Speed GMLAN bus, Low Speed GMLAN bus and multiple Local Interconnect Network (LIN) buses and acts as a gateway between them. The various K9 Body Control Module input and output circuits are illustrated in the corresponding functional areas on the K9 Body
Control Module electrical schematics.
- The K9 Body Control Module functions as the power mode master. The ignition switch is a low current switch with multiple discrete ignition switch signals to the power mode master for determining the power mode that will be sent over the serial data circuits to the other devices that need this information; the power mode master will activate relays and other direct outputs of the power mode master as needed. Refer to Power Mode Description and Operation for a complete description of power mode functions.
- The K9 Body Control Module functions as a gateway or translator. The purpose of the gateway is to translate serial data messages between the High Speed GMLAN bus and the Low Speed GMLAN bus for communication between the various devices. The gateway will interact with each network according to that network's transmission protocol. All communication between the K9 Body Control Module and a scan tool is done through the
primary High Speed GMLAN bus.
- If an excessive current draw is not present during initial testing, continue periodic testing over a 1–2 hour period to see if the current draw increases and stays above an unacceptable level.
Reference Information
Schematic ReferenceControl Module References
Connector End View ReferenceMaster Electrical Component List
Electrical Information ReferenceScan Tool ReferenceControl Module References for scan tool information
Special ToolsEL 38758 Parasitic Draw Test Switch
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.
Circuit/System Verification
Note:
- Closing the doors, hood, trunk/liftgate, glove compartments, and console switches/ajar switches are closed while leaving the them open is recommended, this allows the vehicle systems to perform in a “doors/hood/trunk/liftgate closed” mode while allowing access to the vehicle components that need to be accessed for testing without waking the vehicle back up.
- Locking doors will arm the vehicle content theft deterrent system if equipped. Failure to arm the system may cause a theft system fault to not be present during testing. If the vehicle is equipped with intrusion detection, the vehicle will activate full content theft alarm (vehicle wake up with siren and/or horn activation and exterior lighting cycling) when entering the vehicle.
- There are many things that can prevent the vehicle from completely going to sleep and passing the parasitic draw test. Make sure all the conditions listed below are met before performing the parasitic current draw test.
- Ignition OFF
- On Some VIP vehicles if the EBCM detects wheel movement it can wake up and apply the electronic parking brake.
- Key out of the ignition switch – when not equipped with keyless access and start. Transmitter (Key FOB) away from vehicle for keyless access equipped vehicles.
- Retained Accessory Power OFF – open and close the driver door after ignition OFF
- Scan tool not communicating with a vehicle control module – in some cases it may need to be disconnected from the DLC
- All doors, hood, trunk/liftgate, glove compartments, and console switches, latches and ajar switches are closed.
- Head lamps OFF – auto head lamps disabled.
- Any delay lighting OFF.
- If equipped with an underhood lamp disable it. On vehicles will disable the underhood lamp when the hood latch is closed
- If equipped with HVAC Afterblow, after shutting the vehicle off afterblow may cycle on after 30 min for approximately 10 minutes. Starting with some 2021 Model Vehicles afterblow is enabled at the factory and cannot be disabled.
- Any accessory that can work with ignition OFF inactive or OFF. On some vehicles the Auxilary Power Ports can be enabled to be on at all times by relocating the fuse in the fuseblock.
- Wait 15 min or longer, after all other listed conditions are met
Using an Inductive Amp Clamp (Preferred Method): - Verify meter operating correctly, refer to the tools owner manual for tool being used,
- Road test the vehicle in the same manner as the customer does, based on information obtained from the customer verification sheet.
- Activate all the accessories the vehicle is equipped with, such as the radio, rear seat entertainment, rear defogger, windows, sunroof, front and rear HVAC etc. (operate components through a full cycle) confirm everything is operating correctly and note any components that are not operating correctly.
Note: Zero the meter before connecting the amp clamp and verify the current sensor clamp in the correct orientation (arrow towards the negative battery post).
- Connect a 50 Amp inductive amp clamp to the negative battery cable that can read down to 1 mA.
- Ignition OFF.
Note: Open all doors, hood, trunk/liftgate, glove compartments, and console etc to gain access to all components and fuse blocks, manually close all switches, latches and ajar switches are closed.
- Ignition off, exit the vehicle following the same manner that the customer does, based on information obtained from the customer verification sheet. CCVS - Battery Draw
Note: Intermittent momentary module wake ups may be normal. (Typically, after 20 Minutes, but may take longer)
- Allow all modules and components to go to sleep.
- Verify there is less than 100 mA of parasitic current drain.
- If greater than the specified range, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
- If less than the specified range
- The condition may be an intermittent fault and is currently not present. Perform additional road test or repeat customer scenario to attempt to duplicate the draw
Alternate Method for Vehicles with Battery Sensor Module: Caution: When a fused jumper wire or digital multimeter is connected
to the test switch terminals, always turn the test switch ON before
opening any access door, turning the ignition on, or turning any
accessory on. This is to prevent damaging the jumper wire or
digital multimeter fuse.
- Verify meter operating correctly, refer to the tools owner manual for tool being used,
Note:
- When diagnosing an intermittent battery draw, if the battery voltage is interrupted by disconnecting the battery, fuses relays,componet or module connectors may cause the condition to clear.
- The switch knob on the EL 38758 switch is marked ON and OFF. When the switch knob is in the ON position, the circuit is closed and electrical current will pass through the switch. When the switch knob is in the OFF position, the circuit is open and electrical current will not pass through the switch.
- Connect the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent to the Battery positive and negative jump start posts prior to disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent a loss of voltage which could reset or clear an intermittent draw.
Note: Intermittent momentary module wake ups may be normal. (Typically, after 20 Minutes, but may take longer)
- Allow all modules and components to go to sleep.

- Connect a 10 A fused jumper wire between the Battery Negative post clamp and the other end of the Negative Battery Cable.

- Remove the Current sensor stud nut and remove the negative cable from the Battery Sensor Module.
- Check the fuse in the jumper wire. The fuse should be OK.
- If the jumper wire fuse is blown, the vehicle has an Active excessive parasitic draw. Refer to Circuit/System Testing
- If the jumper wire fuse is not blown,
- Disconnect the the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent

- Verify there is less than 100 mA of parasitic current drain.
- If greater than the specified range, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
- If less than the specified range
- Reconnect the Battery Negative Battery Cable to the Battery Sensor Module.
- Road test the vehicle in the same manner as the customer does, based on information obtained from the customer verification sheet. CCVS - Battery Draw
- Activate all the accessories the vehicle is equipped with, such as the radio, rear seat entertainment, rear defogger, windows, sunroof, front and rear HVAC etc. (operate components through a full cycle) confirm everything is operating correctly and note any components that are not operating correctly.
Note: Open all doors, hood, trunk/liftgate, glove compartments, and console etc to gain access to all components and fuse blocks, manually close all switches, latches and ajar switches are closed.
- Ignition off, exit the vehicle following the same manner that the customer does, based on information obtained from the customer verification sheet.
Note:
- When diagnosing an intermittent battery draw, if the battery voltage is interrupted by disconnecting the battery, fuses relays,componet or module connectors may cause the condition to clear.
- The switch knob on the EL 38758 switch is marked ON and OFF. When the switch knob is in the ON position, the circuit is closed and electrical current will pass through the switch. When the switch knob is in the OFF position, the circuit is open and electrical current will not pass through the switch.
- Connect the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent to the Battery positive and negative jump start posts prior to disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent a loss of voltage which could reset or clear an intermittent draw.
Note: Intermittent momentary module wake ups may be normal. (Typically, after 20 Minutes, but may take longer)
- Allow all modules and components to go to sleep.

- Connect a 10 A fused jumper wire between the Battery Negative post clamp and the other end of the Negative Battery Cable.

- Remove the Current sensor stud nut and remove the negative cable from the Battery Sensor Module.
- Check the fuse in the jumper wire. The fuse should be OK.
- If the jumper wire fuse is blown, the vehicle has an Active excessive parasitic draw. Refer to Circuit/System Testing
- If the jumper wire fuse is not blown,
- Disconnect the the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent

- Verify there is less than 100 mA of parasitic current drain.
- If greater than the specified range, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
- If less than the specified range
- The condition may be an intermittent fault and is currently not present. Perform additional road test, repeat customer scenario per the Battery Draw customer verification sheet to attempt to duplicate the draw.
Alternate Method for Vehicles without a Battery Sensor Module Using the EL 38758 Parasitic Draw Test Switch: Caution: When a fused jumper wire or digital multimeter is connected
to the test switch terminals, always turn the test switch ON before
opening any access door, turning the ignition on, or turning any
accessory on. This is to prevent damaging the jumper wire or
digital multimeter fuse.
- Verify meter operating correctly, refer to the tools owner manual for tool being used,
Note:
- When diagnosing an intermittent battery draw, if the battery voltage is interrupted by disconnecting the battery, fuses relays,componet or module connectors may cause the condition to clear.
- The switch knob on the EL 38758 switch is marked ON and OFF. When the switch knob is in the ON position, the circuit is closed and electrical current will pass through the switch. When the switch knob is in the OFF position, the circuit is open and electrical current will not pass through the switch.
- Connect the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent to the Battery positive and negative jump start posts prior to disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent a loss of voltage which could reset or clear an intermittent draw.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the battery negative cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the OFF position.
- Install the male end of the EL 38758 switch to the battery ground terminal.
- Install the battery negative cable to the female end of the EL 38758 switch.
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the ON position.
- Disconnect the EQPMSK6211 Battery Booster Pack or equivalent.
Note: Intermittent momentary module wake ups may be normal. (Typically, after 20 Minutes, but may take longer)
- Allow all modules and components to go to sleep.
- Connect a 10 A fused jumper wire to the test switch tool terminals.
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the OFF position. The current now flows through the jumper wire.
- Check the fuse in the jumper wire. The fuse should be OK.
- If the jumper wire fuse is blown, the vehicle has an Active excessive parasitic draw. Refer to Circuit/System Testing
- If the jumper wire fuse is not blown,
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the ON position. Remove the fused jumper wire.
- Connect a DMM set to the 10 A DC scale between the test switch tool terminals.
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the OFF position. The current now flows through the DMM.
- Verify there is less than 100 mA of parasitic current drain.
- If greater than the specified range, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
- If less than the specified range
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the OFF position.
- Road test the vehicle in the same manner as the customer does, based on information obtained from the customer verification sheet. CCVS - Battery Draw
- Activate all the accessories the vehicle is equipped with, such as the radio, rear seat entertainment, rear defogger, windows, sunroof, front and rear HVAC etc. (operate components through a full cycle) confirm everything is operating correctly and note any components that are not operating correctly.
Note: Open all doors, hood, trunk/liftgate, glove compartments, and console etc to gain access to all components and fuse blocks, manually close all switches, latches and ajar switches are closed.
- Ignition off, exit the vehicle following the same manner that the customer does, based on information obtained from the customer verification sheet.
Note: Intermittent momentary module wake ups may be normal. (Typically, after 20 Minutes, but may take longer)
- Allow all modules and components to go to sleep.
- Connect a 10 A fused jumper wire to the test switch tool terminals.
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the OFF position. The current now flows through the jumper wire.
- Check the fuse in the jumper wire. The fuse should be OK.
- If the jumper wire fuse is blown, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
- If the jumper wire fuse is not blown,
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the ON position. Remove the fused jumper wire.
- Connect a DMM set to the 10 A DC scale between the test switch tool terminals.
- Turn the EL 38758 switch knob to the OFF position. The current now flows through the DMM.
- Verify there is less than 100 mA of parasitic current drain.
- If greater than the specified range, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
- If less than the specified range
- The condition may be an intermittent fault and is currently not present. Perform additional road test, repeat customer scenario per the Battery Draw customer verification sheet to attempt to duplicate the draw.
Circuit/System Testing
Note: Do not test for a voltage drop at the Junction Block Studs without wiring or cables attached to it. It will result in the DVOM providing a false reading.

- Battery Junction Block Voltage Drop Example
Note: The Leg of the Battery Junction Block with the highest draw or voltage drop is likely to be the source of the excessive parasitic draw.
- If the equipped with a battery Junction block and if it is accessible, utilize and inductive amp clamp or perform a voltage drop test between the battery positive post and each leg of the battery junction block to help determine which fuse block is containing the draw.
- If a Parasitic Draw has not been isolated in Step 1.
Note: Some fuses that may have an initial voltage drop then drop off, and some fuses that always have a nominal draw going to components that supply memory retention is normal.
- Use a DMM set to mV scale and perform a voltage drop across each fuse excluding J-Case type fuses (ignore negative readings) one at a time to determine the fuse that is causing the parasitic draw using the tables and selecting the appropriate Fuse type. Refer to:Parasitic Draw Reference Table
- If a Parasitic Draw has been Isolated in Step 1
- Go to the fuse block that the draw has been isolated to.
Note: Some fuses that may have an initial voltage drop then drop off, and some fuses that always have a nominal draw going to components that supply memory retention is normal.
- Use a DMM set to mV scale and perform a voltage drop across each fuse excluding J-Case type fuses (ignore negative readings) one at a time to determine the fuse that is causing the parasitic draw using the tables and selecting the appropriate Fuse type. Refer to:Parasitic Draw Reference Table
- If a voltage drop is not found
- Verify an excessive current draw is not present by removing each remaining J-Case fuse(s), circuit breaker(s), relay(s), components and modules one at a time while monitoring the draw to verify it drops to below 100 mA.
- If an excessive parasitic draw is not found
- The condition may be an intermittent fault and is currently not present.
- Stuck switch
- Stuck relay
- Control module
- Perform additional road test, repeat customer scenario per the Battery Draw customer verification sheet to attempt to duplicate the draw,
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.
Control Module References for control module replacement, programming and setup