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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) '99 Dead after sitting awhile. Replaced Alt and Batteries. Intake problem?

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CPPicard

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My '99 has nothing after sitting for a week or two. I replaced the batteries and the alternator and it still does it. It will hold a charge after I get the batteries charged up, but if it sits awhile it is completely dead. I had an intake code and was wondering if the intake heater could be causing this. I think I read that somewhere on the Internet. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem? If not, what else could it be?
 
My '99 has nothing after sitting for a week or two. I replaced the batteries and the alternator and it still does it. It will hold a charge after I get the batteries charged up, but if it sits awhile it is completely dead. I had an intake code and was wondering if the intake heater could be causing this. I think I read that somewhere on the Internet. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem? If not, what else could it be?
Welcome to the TDR.



Others have reporting a similar problem, and found it to be caused by the glove box light staying on.



The easiest way to start figuring out where a current drain is coming from would be to pull all the fuses from both the fuse panel on the driver's side of the dash and from the PDC (Power Distribution Center) which is located on the driver's side fender under the hood. Next disconnect the passenger side battery completely and then connect an ammeter between the positive (+) battery terminal and it's cable. Start plugging the fuses back in one by one until you register a modest power drain on the ammeter, then you'll have found it.



Good luck,



John L.
 
What is your amperage draw when shut off? My 99 draws 456 milliamps and will kill the batteries if left parked for about 5 days. My batteries are fresh and the alternator checks out. If I drive it daily, it's fine. One day, I unhooked my lights, radio, seat belts, cabin lights, and anything else I could think of that might be causing problems. I finally found that if I pull the IOD (ignition off draw) fuse, it drops to 6 milliamps. It can sit forever that way and be okay. Some day when I have some time, I'll look into it more. For the time being, I pull the fuse when I'm parked for more than a few hours - kind of a pain, but it works for me.
 
I finally found that if I pull the IOD (ignition off draw) fuse, it drops to 6 milliamps.
The IOD fuse is number 12 in the fuse block located on the left side of the dash. This fuse powers the following items:

Power mirror switch
Visor lamps
Dome lamps
Cargo lamps
Radio memory
Glove box lamp
Underhood lamp
Overhead console
ODBII connector (under the dash)​

The most likely suspects are probably the glove box or underhood lamps, although if you have some kind of accessory permanently plugged into the OBDII connector (like a trip computer), it should be checked too.

Regards,

John L.
 
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John,

You explained how to hook the meter up, which I hadn't explained (I was working on an answer when you posted) so hopefully the OP will find the culprit. Mine pickup is an ST and doesn't have any bells nor whistles. I unhooked my light switch, both door switches, seat belts, and eventually, all of the fuses. I hadn't thought of the OBDII connector and will check that. Thanks!

Bud
 
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Thanks guys.

Thanks guys. I try pulling that fuse. I'll check some of the other things when it warms up a little. I don't use that pickup a lot in the winter. I appreciate the info.



Thanks again,



Chase
 
I unhooked my light switch, both door switches, seat belts, and eventually, all of the fuses. I hadn't thought of the OBDII connector and will check that.
Bud,



If you haven't done so already, you might try removing the glove box lamp and disconnecting the underhood light while checking the battery current draw... assuming your truck has those.



Good luck,



John L.
 
John,

Thanks for the info. I don't have a light in the glove box, under the hood, or on the visor. Not even a mirror on the visor. Manual locks, windows, vinyl floor, etc. That's the part that has me puzzled. I thought it may have been the radio drawing and that's why I disconnected it -no change in draw. For right now, pulling the fuse is working, but it bugs me to not have it right. I will be checking the OBDII connection when I get a chance -wife says we have to go visit the kids for Christmas, so won't get to it for a few days. Thanks!

Bud
 
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