$ Luxury Mercedes $ Dead every morning! Can we fix it?

In this video we Diagnose a battery drain / parasitic draw on a Mercedes GL500.
The owner needs to jumpstart the vehicle every morning.
I take you through the steps you'll need to take, to locate a battery drain.
Can we find what's causing the issue?
Let's Diagnose it together!

[@Diagnosedan]

Some of you might have already noticed but at 12:10 i must have accidently hit the multimeter button and changed the setting from DC to AC before starting to record my findings. It doesn't change the Diag in any way but the multimeter should have been (and was off camera) in the right setting!

[@ernsailor9041]

Ha, I noticed. 😀

[@moestrei]

Damn.....I just wanted to winge about that one but you beat me.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hah that's why I put my Fluke amp clamp on the shelf... It always defaults to AC!

[@alexys16]

This was what I wanted to ask you about:Why was the multimeter set to mv AC measurment:D

[@ianrobins5501]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics another great you tuber auto technician

[@haywire17]

I'm an electronics technician by trade. Your explanation of voltage drop across fuse(s) is well known, and I am embarrassed to say that I had never thought to employ this "trick" to diagnose where current is flowing. It is absolute GENIUS. You haven't disrupted anything / poked /probed / removed fuses, and you have immediate answers. I would love to own a thermal camera, and they are coming down in price, but sometimes the simplest and cheapest test equipment in the right hands can give the answers you need. I am willing to bet this isn't in any factory service manual training ANYWHERE. Thank you, Dan!

[@christiang.9485]

Thermal imaging cameras are not that expensive anymore, and you can do a lot with them. So it's a tool that's also worth using privately. I also thought it was a good idea to measure the voltage on the fuses. But with the number of fuses "had" to come up with something. If you had pulled every one of them, you would have woken up x control units again and then had to keep waiting.

[@chrisprobert6]

Not on ac circuits tho'♥️😃👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thermal cameras are becoming better and cheaper. My first one was a Fluke and that cost thousands. Next i got a snapon that was hundreds. But now they are becoming more affordable and alot better than my old Fluke!

[@kenbosward9671]

@@Diagnosedan Just wondering, if you could measure the voltage drop across a fuse that was carrying current, would the thermal camera have picked that up? Might be quicker than poking multimeter probes into each fuse!

[@MarzNet256]

Yup. It's pretty darn clever.

[@deejaydixon854]

Took me years to figure this out this guy is really helping people

[@nicekindness4423]

Danny, you are a genius! You're like a walking dictionary of the automotive world. I've never seen anyone teach and fix things the way you do. I genuinely enjoy listening to you, even before going to sleep.

[@mattt198654321]

This same thing happened to my Chevrolet Equinox, turns out there was an internal short circuit in the fuse box. The entire fuse box had to be replaced at a cost of $700. They would not cover it under warranty because they said it was not part of the "Drivetrain". I told them to remove the fuse box and see if the car will drive, then get back to me about that!

[@billmalec]

Definitely not drivetrain. Should have been covered under basic warranty, if there was any left.

[@LeverPhile]

$700 included labor, or just cost of parts?

[@Bosbulls]

I laughed so hard now. Because it will definitely not drive without the fuse box.

[@timd1833]

When they "got back" to you, how did you make out?

[@scientist100]

Not the same thing. Fuse boxes are more complex in nature.

[@paulhutchins6019]

Wow, great solid and methodical diagnostic work as always. Intriguing how you found it. Well done Dan 👍🏼

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Paul!

[@jamesward5721]

First useful "parasitic draw" video I have ever watched anyway. Brilliantly clear & educational, Dan.

[@matusekpetr7806]

New module: 50 eur. Knew which one: 500 eur 🙂 Well DONE Dan! 👋 Vhen you started poking around the glove box I´ve been thinking i know, its the light in the box not shutting off ! :) These tips with measuring voltage drop around fuses should be definetely something teachers might learn new car mechanics at schools, it is literally basics but many mechanicians are not able to use.

[@gplusgplus2286]

Yes, didn't know about the mV trick, I would have started taking fuses out one by one.

[@alexg9155]

The glove box light almost killed my car over a few nights multiple times. The "button" that is pressed when the glove box closes was was not making contact with the pins inside 😂

[@TzOk]

The sad thing is, they were taught about this, probably already in middle school, but they never understood this very basic law of physics called Ohm's law. This is a general phenomenon in education, children/young people learn science like a poem. They know the formulas, and sometimes they can solve standard problems, but do not understand the meaning of things they are learning/calculating.

[@a.f.1587]

@@alexg9155 It's a good idea to change those bulb to LED's. They draw way less current than those old classic bulbs, actually only a fraction of it. And those bulbs won't trigger any light on the dash because they are not that important, unlike the parking lights or license plate lights.

[@alexg9155]

@@a.f.1587 Yeah, I have LEDs everywhere inside the car, glove box included, that's why the battery still was good enough to start the vehicle :)

[@jacobbub506]

Dan... you are the man! A true diagnostic magician!

[@Diagnosedan]

😁👍

[@mrsinghsgarage]

Fantastic and in depth as always! You saved a car that most other mechanics would've just turned away. You make it look easy, but that's just evidence of your years of experience. Nice work.

[@the_kombinator]

What mechanics would turn away a 12 hour billable job? The ones that are in the unemployment line?

[@jacquesb5248]

always intersting

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@Diagnosedan]

​@@the_kombinatorDiagnostic hours aren't always all billable, especially not when you dont solve the issue

[@the_kombinator]

@@Diagnosedan Then you do it like my neighbour's mechanic, and bill two diagnostic fees. She won't be going there anymore ;)

[@arthurbiringer5676]

I’ve seen this video before, this is the content that keeps me coming back! These little issues are really hard to find and therefore a real challenge!

[@htownblue11]

Watching those who are truly world class in their craft is always so fascinating to me. Dan, if you and Pine Hollow Diagnostics and Super Mario Diagnsotics ever did a case study together, Automotive KZbin would melt down…the pinnacle would have been reached.

[@Lambros_Stefaneas]

Dan don't need them ,he already does this. He is a legend, one level by himself.All the rest, can see him via telescope 🔭 😀.

[@Diagnosedan]

Both great technicians with great channels Indeed! Thanks for your comment

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

YES!!!

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

thanks TJ for the vote of confidence

[@oldschool0072]

Don't forget scanner Danner

[@maxdm1583]

Dan, you are David Attenborough of Automotive diagnosis and repair at the nature of things!

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣👍

[@hmerced3668]

I'm from Waco Texas, I enjoy your videos very much they have helped me to be a better mechanic. I would have loved to have been an apprentice under your teaching. THANKS for sharing your skills and knowledge with us all.

[@TheFrenchPug]

That was a very hairy repair track down. He makes the difficult seem too easy. Dan is the best!

[@Bosbulls]

I would even now, at 44 years of age, not mind to spend a couple of weeks with him in his shop. I will be a willing student that will do all the crap tasks, only to be able to learn from him.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for the great comment, i hope to visit Texas one day that would be great.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Nice job Dan! I was hoping it would be harder one for you... Like all the networks staying awake 😁😁💪

[@akaitv6606]

I think that would be easier, the only things that could cause that is ECU , BCM , Relay or Key ,

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@akaitv6606 no lol

[@ivandrago2557]

Didn't you in one of your last video charging battery and in same time measure for parasitic draw.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@ivandrago2557 yes just connect charger to the battery posts. It was a big draw and took a while to diagnose so had to maintain battery voltage 👍

[@ivandrago2557]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Thank you

[@ozzstars_cars]

I'm now going to call you Detective Dan! No progrmming necessary. Nice find!

[@octaviansorescu7427]

Congratulations again Dan! The most fascinating of all the experience shared with us, is the way of diagnosis!!! Continued success in everything you do, the more you share with us! I really admire your skill and knowledge!!!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much

[@kasundananjaya6060]

Wow❤...As a Motorcycle mechanic,i am learning lot of things from you Mr.Dan..Your diagnostic methods are absolutely amazing.Recently i have found you in KZbin and after that every night before sleep i have watching at least 2 episodes..Thanks a lot that you are improving my knowledge🙏🙏

[@Diagnosedan]

Ha that's great to hear!

[@xjssts7127]

You are a very good technician. (I am an auto mechanic 30 years ASE certified, you impressed me.)

[@juerbert1]

You're a specialist, with all your extra instruments, Dan ! These vehicles are legally desposed of in Japan after 5 years of service, almost new ! Modern luxury vehicles are insanely complicated : total B.S.obsolescence par excellence ! Money for you, specialist Dan !

[@Rich10000]

Brilliant work as always dan, I always know youll sort any problem out.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for watching

[@paulorosa1364]

Thanks Dan. Really appreciate your new approaches to diagnostics like using a thermal imaging camera. Keeps things interesting. Great job, much appreciated.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much

[@johnburrows7938]

A fantastic explanation of a parasitic drain discovery. I think the nation owes you a huge thank you. Batteries will no longer be changed on a wim. I always recommend everyone to watch your channel, cos we all know, diagnosedan fixed it again!

[@Diagnosedan]

Ha ha thanks!

[@moseschege6139]

Always awesome. We learn a lot through you.

[@Diagnosedan]

Great to hear!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Great video as always Dan Great explanation and diagnoses using a methodical method. That Snappy thermal imager is great to have.Thanks as always Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for always leaving a positive comment! Its really appreciated

[@djosbun]

Great diag as always, Dan! I hope you and the family are doing well!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@mkatalin09]

Always a pleasure watching you work Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thats great to hear

[@Parknest]

I knew this would be a breeze for you. This is a testament to your method of diagnosis.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for watching!

[@emilschw8924]

Excellent detective work there, and well done!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@mikeberry304]

Nice one Dan , great in depth testing there , the public haven't got a clue how difficult our job can be , they have no understanding how complex modern vehicles are , well done sir 👍👍👍👍

[@Diagnosedan]

It can be very challenging at times but we dont give up do we😉💪

[@serafinnieves8137]

Just tuned in to your channel. I must say you are very clear in explaining process. I will keep watching even though the vehicles you work on aren't ones I own, the diagnoses are very helpful. Thank you.

[@Rodewerksahed]

Yet another brilliant diagnosis Dan. Thankyou for posting 👍🏻

[@Diagnosedan]

You are welcome!

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Great channel Dan really enjoyed your videos

[@Diagnosedan]

Thats great

[@annaplojharova1400]

When zeroing the amp clamp you need to place it at the exact orientation and as close as possible to the position you will be measuring. The reason is, the amp is quite sensitive to external magnetic fields (mainly the Earth field), so shifting and maibly rotating it after zeroing may cause reading errors. But at 800mA it is not that big deal, but once you start chasing 10mA, it became very important...

[@zoolkhan]

that is obviously not an option here. - needed to be zerod away from the current, building a perfect baseline was not possible with the parasitics potentially still flowing.

[@bobflannagan7262]

you deserve SO MANY MORE subscribers, this is excellent hi-pro stuff. Thanks, Dan!!!

[@sprinterfix]

this guy is a legend. Certainly my favorite automotive youtube channel

[@Diagnosedan]

Wow! Thanks!!

[@danthemann6565]

Dan, another excellent video. I love the way you take advantage of the miniscule resistance within the fuse. I never thought that tiny resistance being enough to give you a voltage drop across the fuse. I am curious, I will draw a quarter amp through a fuse and dial it up to 20 amps as I graph the voltage drop across the fuse. Can't wait to see the results. Thank you Dan, you really teaches well.

[@Diagnosedan]

There are fuse voltage drop charts available online.😁

[@boomaf1620]

Excellent work Dan, as usual! I'm surprised the thermal imager didn't show any heat on the fuse with the voltage drop.

[@Diagnosedan]

Most of the time a fuse doesn't show up unless the current is very high

[@NAnsee-zu7hv]

Step by step diagnosis, clear and precise explanation. Great job! 👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@3dauto]

This is an amazing video. Thanks Dan for another great repair. Been looking for a better way of measuring draw and now I'm definitely going to order this amp clamp.

[@Diagnosedan]

Its a great tool and has served me well for many years

[@robertbezak7605]

Sir, you are the best, we want more uploads ! Please :D

[@lazardjordjevic994]

I agree, he is the best, and I also want more uploads

[@Diagnosedan]

You guys always want more🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lazardjordjevic994]

@@Diagnosedan Yes! 😀 Because you are the best teacher I know and I learned a lot from you. It is good to have somebody who is far away and who cares for sharing his knowledge with the world. I really appreciate it. Big hug from Serbia ❤️

[@bernardaflores1720]

Glad you found the draw in the 2nd fuse box and not the last one. I wonder how many more of those modules will need replacing in the coming years?? Nice video by the way.

[@ourtexasfamilyvideos62]

I wonder how many of those modules will be out of production in 5-10 years.

[@Diagnosedan]

Me too😁 thanks for your comment its appriciated

[@mk-jl3zd]

Wonderful diagnosis Dan again,thanks

[@jamesbruno5896]

Excellent troubleshooting Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks James

[@GNX157]

Dan, I think they only other thing I would of done is check and monitor the current draw on that electric motor to be sure it wasn’t drawing excessively high current and burning that module out over time.

[@Diagnosedan]

Actually we know what the draw of that motor was dont we? 😉 about 750mA

[@GNX157]

@@Diagnosedan Right, that was the draw you encountered, but I’m referring to what it would draw afterward, during use with the new module at its normal operating speeds, and to see if that changed as it got heated up from use.

[@adrianlowes1848]

Good video as usual mate, but I must say that realizing its a Japan spec car will make a difference in diagnosis. If you have and im sure you have used merc wis, you will notice in the wire diagrams that there are often differences between a Japan, US or rest of the world car normally noted such as code 456 Japan or the like. That will make a big difference in what fuse fuse does what. Keep up the good work buddy

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for the feedback

[@EHCaliforniaSoul]

It’s left hand drive, can it be japan spec without being right hand drive?

[@catalinalb1722]

Always learning interesting Tipps from you! 🙂 Great Video Thanks

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for the great comment 👍

[@willhoneybourne8826]

Brilliant as always Dan. Just when I've decided ive done enough for the day I now feel the need to go and fix something again.

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣👍👍

[@Yankee7000]

Silly question- can we fix it??? of course Dan can!

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣

[@kozmaz87]

Do you have statistics of the cars coming in with dead control modules by make and model? It would be fun to see which models and what types of modules keep failing the most

[@Diagnosedan]

Yes we do. As you might know or not know we have a program called DDTSB. For that program we make aftermarket technical bulletins and to know what fails on what model we have statistics on almost everything

[@kozmaz87]

@@Diagnosedan aaaaand that was a shameless plug for DDTSB :D haha. Love the show keep up the good work.

[@dzyaba.]

Great channel. The author is a professional in his field. Greetings from Ukraine!

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

Is it true you have tomatoes in the shops? From UK

[@dzyaba.]

@@DeepakKumar-lv4te Of course there is😁.SLAVA UKRAIN!💪

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much for taking the time to watch my videos in what must be challenging times for you.

[@hpevans9041]

Well done Dan, quality diagnosis

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@thomasperina2990]

Thank you Dan for another great video. Question, didn't the new module require coding to the vehicle. Here in the US many if not all MB modules require OEM SOFTWARE CODING, THANK YOU, TMP from N.J.

[@Diagnosedan]

This module is a "dumb" module and doesn't need to be coded, you can't even "talk" to it with your scantool directly

[@gplusgplus2286]

You have an ex Yakuza car in front of you. Its clearly a model for Japanese market and Japan cars are right hand drive, but for some reason the japanese mafia prefers LHD cars, just to make a statement. Was watching a video about this.

[@Diagnosedan]

I did know that some Japanese prefer European luxury cars LHD. But i didn't know those people were Yakuza😲

[@richard1835]

Great diagnostic video. Thank you

[@deweyl.3714]

I always learn something new with Dan. Thank you.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thats great to hear

[@rhysdavies8947]

@11:51 you were checking AC volts not DC, so you may have read even higher mV if the meter was set right.

[@-_Robert_-]

mV is not amps... and I bet it stays AC AND DC by mV on this Fluke.

[@rhysdavies8947]

@@-_Robert_- Corrected. The fluke can select AC or DC using the yellow button. It’s not auto switching on this model.

[@stevepark5504]

Another way to read voltage drop on the fuses is to extend one meter lead(+) and connect it to the battery + terminal. Then probe each fuse with the negative meter lead. The drop of the circuitry between the battery and the fuse will be included so the drop will indicate on either side of the fuse, just a little higher on the load side. No chopsticks needed.

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣 I'm getting handy with my chopsticks

[@glasser2819]

@@Diagnosedan yeah this skill is kind of fun on low voltage circuits (much below 220V) 😁

[@soptea]

Or just a wire to + with a clamp meter around and then touch every fuse with voltage and read current

[@Pfirtzer]

@@Diagnosedan When will you show us eating Chinese food or Sushi with your multimeter chopsticks?😂

[@uploadJ]

@@soptea Whoops! Not every fuse has power applied - some may be powered via relays (also visible there on some fse boxes) and you run the risk of damaging things or waking up some 'dormant' module (if the car was asleep).

[@AKChryslertech]

I found your channel after you were recomemded by another diagnostics youtube channel and I have to say I love your work. Im now binge watching videos from your channel. Awsome stuff and thank you for posting these videos.

[@Diagnosedan]

Great to finally have you here Sir😁

[@johnbee7729]

Good to see you back here.

[@mr_nice.]

hahaha...."Pit menu"....as in "money pit".....😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@wyattoneable]

I look forward to these videos. I'll never work on a Mercedes in my area but I know I can use the same procedures on the Chevys, Fords or Dodges that the Hillbillies drive here. :)

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣👍

[@ivaneu1]

I really appreciate your procedure. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@xristosmaglaras7077]

Perfect as always...thank you so much for sharing this video with us. 🙂

[@Diagnosedan]

You are welcome

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Great video Dan. Voltage drop across fuses is absolutely last resort for me. I'd take that amp clamp and go to the last fuse box downstream from the battery, and work my way closer to the fuse boxes closest to the battery. This will save you time!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Mario. I can see why you would use that method although in my experience the power feeds coming in to the fusebox aren't always easily accessible.

[@curranhouse]

LHD car in Japan is odd?

[@Diagnosedan]

alot of Japanese people prefer European luxury cars LHD

[@odishoodisho4904]

Great job thanks for sharing your experience

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@davidscott4663]

I've watched heaps of your video's, they are so helpful and practical for everyday use in the real world

[@Ivo--]

A Japanese car but with the steering wheel on the left? Weird.

[@unmountablebootvolume]

I once heard it is a status symbol to drive an import car with the steering wheel on the left, don't know if it's true or not, but if it is, that might explain it.

[@mart43]

@@unmountablebootvolume that's true that is a thing there in Japan, they like to copy western stuff for some reason.

[@pcdispatch]

Or they swapped it. Some years ago I was searching for a BMW M3 and you don't want to know what kind of imported junk is driving around. Some of them from the UK for example had the steering wheel swapped for the Dutch market. Crazy.

[@Diagnosedan]

​@@unmountablebootvolumeThats also what i heard

[@kennethhicks2113]

Great job teaching good troubleshooting techniques.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@lancebalaguer1522]

Very good explanation sir Good blessed u...

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Nice diagnostic Dan, thanks for share.

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@JM-rb2or]

It's amazing. I know nothing about cars, but I love this channel! Thank you Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for your positive feedback its really appreciated 👍

[@kdao1007]

Fantastic detail of diagnosing this parasitic drain. You are a wealth of knowledge.

[@ricardopereiracom]

You're the best! Great work !

[@Diagnosedan]

🤩🤩🤩

[@markt5426]

Thanks Dan, Yet again an informative video which illustrates your vast knowledge and expertise's. Keep them coming Dan and thank you so much.

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@diegovd7215]

You Sir are truly amazing!

[@Diagnosedan]

😁😁😁😁

[@gregjones8501]

Great video with even greater accuracy Dan! And yeah you’re right the price usually goes the other way most times at least in my experience! Good to see you brother and keep ‘em coming!

[@marknewman6037]

Dan, It was a tough one for me, thanks for helping me diagnose it again.🤗

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure 😁👍

[@jonathanpineda8791]

I was wondering if you want to work in my shop Lol, always happy see you sharing good information 🙏

[@Mikusin]

U r a maestro , magician , true professional , keep it going , always looking forward for ur interesting diagnosis

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much

[@wysetech2000]

Excellent as always, Dan.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for always leaving a positive comment thats really appreciated 👍

[@rodmaclean6862]

Dan the man fixed the fan. Superb!!

[@Diagnosedan]

😁👍

[@KostadinDelizhanski]

It is a pleasure to see the way you always work, the consistency, the always logical approach thumbs up, wish you all the best and thank you for sharing with all of us

[@SAM-tw6ld]

Excellent diagnostic methods ..

[@bluejayoutpost9170]

Hay good to see you~be well Dan..Thanks👍😎

[@margyjr]

Hi DiagnoseDan, I wish I know to check Voltage drop cross the fuses when I worked as GM Technician! as they say, you're never "Too Old To Learn" !! Thank you the great Videos! 😃

[@Diagnosedan]

We all learn every day until our last day😉

[@thetraindriver01]

Awesome fix Dan, very interesting how you found the parasitic draw 😊👍👍👍👍🥳

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for watching

[@bilobicho5317]

Dan is a Monster Thank you for this lessons. Hqve a Bless Day🙏

[@Diagnosedan]

Monster?🤣🤣

[@xyredmax]

A beautiful piece of fault finding - You are a teacher in the making

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Great job as always 👍😃

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@danijelcar5184]

Great diagnostic from you as usual😎👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!😁👍

[@cccspokesmanandcofounder]

My man Dan!!!!! Love this guy and his content.

[@rickydub6950]

When the new ways dont get you there, back to old school 👍 excellent work as always Dan 👍😁

[@Diagnosedan]

😁👍

[@merchanics5633]

Your videos are very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Beyond-Repair]

This is a great diagnostic video. We don't often think of fuses as resistors. Measuring the voltage drop on a fuse is a clever way to check the load on a circuit. I'm working on a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and I'm going to use all these techniques to beat this problem into submission. I'll post that video when it's edited. DiagnoseDan fixed it again!

[@jaykent6645]

Thank you Dan, brilliant as ever 🤗

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@cherylfarrell1638]

Good job, Dan excellent video

[@user-xt4rc9qb8v]

Thanks for the video, it was very interesting to watch. I didn’t know about the method with a millivoltmeter, it’s very useful, I will use it in my life. Looking forward to more helpful videos from you

[@Diagnosedan]

You are welcome 😁

[@daleridgway4194]

Another master class job A joy to watch 👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much 👍