Nightmare Dead Battery Problem Fixed For The Ford Dealer

This 2012 Ford Explorer came to us from the local Ford dealer for a parasitic battery draw that seemed unfixable. This video details out the path we took to diagnose and repair this strange issue. Thanks for watching!

[@nlwin7789]

This is no ordinary diagnosis considering the time, resources and perseverance involved. My hats off to you guys, great work.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you very much N Lwin! Appreciate you watching! ~Mike

[@richblair8621]

My 2014 Ford explorer have the same problems, so this morning I took it to the dealership to have my sync system updated. I pray that there's not a parasitic draw! Thank you for your very informative video.

[@SuperMCFIVE]

Can do you suggest any places in the Kansas City area where I can take my car to? I've had a better Dream from going on since last October. Thank you

[@lokheileung9084]

It is good to see Mike back and doing kick ass diagnosis, I really enjoy your case study. Thank you for sharing Sir, you are legend!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey, thanks! Not sure about being a legend though lol! Just a dude fixing cars and sharing my headaches hahha ~Mike

[@macdonaldsmotorworks]

I think the real take-home thought here is... always follow a logical sequence during diagnosis. If it's thorough, you should be able to get to the bottom of things. I had a car in my shop 2 weeks ago for a parasitic draw that 2 dealers could not figure out. (no pressure for me when the car arrives!) Anyway, I followed my typical approach and found the problem. These parasitic draw repairs get under your skin and I just 'have to know' why the car is behaving the way it does. Logic and time will shed light! Nice job Mike and really appreciate you sharing this!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey man, thanks for watching! A logical approach is a must have! ~Mike

[@josephluque3614]

Best automotive youtube channel, very in depth explanation. Love watching your videos

[@GoTechTraining]

Woah thanks so much for that Joseph!!! ~Mike

[@frank33607]

Finally a solution. This video was intensive and I’m glad you showed perseverance getting it resolved.

[@ceeweedsl]

Incredible. It can take NASA level engineer/problem solvers to diagnose a modern car. Amazing mastery and still not easy.

[@JimmysAutoClinic]

Thank you so much for the video. I really appreciate it as I know the amount of time that goes into this sort of stuff because I myself am a technician. As a technician I truthfully would have told the customer to drive the piece of junk off of a cliff because I don't have the patience anymore to diagnose that sort of stuff. What a junker. Thank you so much for sharing. Keep up the good work guys I love you channel.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Jimmy, thank you for watching! Celebratory "sodas" were consumed following the successful programing and correction of this parasitic draw. Tech to tech, this is one of those case studies that i'll always remember. I'm sure you have a handful of them as well! ~Mike

[@grumpysgarage4790]

Awesome diagnosis Mike, especially the logical steps taken to figure out the source of the draw. Probably one of the top 10, if not the top, diagnostic videos you have produced.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks man! This was a thinker of a video for sure. You saw my list notes lol ~Mike

[@user-pp8xn9yr8w]

I have a 2012 with this exact problem. Nicely done!!

[@HoggieBrews]

My 2016 Focus drain has not yet been solved but this gives me hope. Even though this took a deep dive into diagnosing the issue, you presented it in such a way that I think anyone could understand. Hats off to you!

[@SchrodingersBox]

This parasitic draw mystery was a great story. I have to say- I have always been skeptical of reprogramming as a fix. It never made sense to me that for all these years the car is running fine and then apparently out of nowhere the programming changes and needs to be updated. But it seems in this case it solved the issue. But can you explain how a computer that never gets software updates or exchanges information from outside sources suddenly develops an issue that needs an update to correct it?

[@GoTechTraining]

Great question...no I can't explain it. My guess is that this thing had a different repair done recently that involved a different module that had certain things updated and the APIM wasn't updated. I believe this is why certain cars, BMW for example, require all modules to be updated simultaneously. ~Mike

[@AUDIO2AUTO]

Planned obsolescence lol

[@joeglass8431]

Mike! That was a great video! Amazing find. It really shows how important research is.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Joe, thanks for watching! Yes, research is critical ~Mike

[@Jpilgrim30]

I’m glad a ford dealer got bit by this so they can understand how we run across this issue with TSBs and extended warranty issues not being covered on a car that has the same issue as another. I’ve seen this quite a bit where the bulletin doesn’t cover that certain year or vehicle when it should.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hi John, I agree, it can be tough to sort though the mess of TSBs Hopefully as technology gets better, all these updates will happen automatically by the vehicle and these issues won't happen Thanks for watching ~Ryan Wilsing

[@adamm2634]

2016 Escape (fleet car) needed a Sync update, but it kept failing due to the update size (no intermediate updates available for end users). Found a forum post where someone found a way to do the update in 2 parts which allowed the software to load and unload what it needed so as to not overflow the memory and fail (no version change). Battery hasn't been dying though!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Adam, crazy stuff! Nice find on that one :) ~Mike

[@codyfiscus8278]

Hey is there any way you can send me the link for that forum, please? I have a 2010 Escape that I'm trying to fix with this issue.

[@fred993a]

Sir - you are fantastic! Thank you for all your hard work.

[@GoTechTraining]

Well thank you very much Fred, I appreciate you watching! ~Mike

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Since retiring, I haven't kept up with this. This is way over my head. I'd have to study and dig into it, basically spend lots of time to understand it. Fascinating video Mike. Hope you and your family are doing well.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Mike, that's what we had to do! Dig in and research, you saw a 25 minute version of at least 5 hours of time lol! ~Mike

[@victorhoover4803]

Thank you for sharing Mike great information we have a few of this at work, now I know if we ever run into this problem. 👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Victor, thanks for watching! Yeh, it's an odd problem but one we won't forget. ~Mike

[@terryharvey4811]

Excited...... another way to express the satisfaction you get when you solve an unsolvable problem. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. BUT..... being good means you keep digging till you get lucky. We spend a lot of time doing research in this profession. GREAT FIND. And I'm EXCITED FOR YOU....THANKS.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Terry, thanks for watching! Never give up, right!? Excited is a great way to describe how we felt after the programming completed :) ~Mike

[@DTEAuto]

awesome demonstration Mike, I've yet to dabble with monitoring CAN bus during battery draw testing, thanks for the good tips and thank you for sharing

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@larryf2440]

Great diagnostic Mike. I have always checked previous year TSB’s. Manufactures use up there remaining parts inventory on the new year release. I found this out in the late 1980’s on a Ford Bronco when I went and replaced distributor cap. They put previous year distributor in engine. As always great job.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Larry, thanks for watching! That's a great point and something to definitely watch for! ~Mike

[@braddampier6143]

Great diag! Love a thorough, logical diagnosis. I was a Ford tech for 17 years and would definitely have put in an RFA module at that point. I wanted for years to get more into using a scope and really should have pulled the trigger on a PICO, as the scope that was part of the Ford VMM was a little frustrating to use. Scopes provides such great information. Keep up the great work.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Brad, thanks for watching! Yeh, the PICO is worth the investment. Just start with the starter kit, then add on the accessories as you get further into it. Solid investment for sure. ~Mike

[@batdrestha]

Excellent video. I wouldn't expect updating module will solve a problem like this

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Hussain, thanks for watching! When the update was being performed I still wasn't 100% confident it would fix it. I'd say maybe 75% confident. lol ~Mike

[@alanw5879]

Thats one of the craziest draw diags Ive heard of. I can see modules waking up other modules etc, but all because of a software update that didnt even apply to that year. Not sure I would have had the smarts to go through this one...Seriously amazing work..

[@angelajackson7396]

I had this issue with my 2019 Ford Explorer took to dealership couldn’t find an issue watched your video and went on the Ford Website downloaded the Sync update for my vehicle installed it let the car sit for over 24 hours and it worked car started !! Just wanted to thank you for this video was having to jump my car every time I tried to start it if it sat for more then 24 hours. So greatful for the time you put into this !! Thanks again!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Angela, Great news! Glad you got it fixed! Thanks for watching and reaching out! ~Ryan

[@angelajackson7396]

After I made this post I went out the next morning and it wouldn’t start☹️ so it didn’t work going into shop on Thursday hope they figure it out I’ll keep you posted

[@GoTechTraining]

So we initially updated the sync off the ford website and also had the same issue. It wasn't till we updated the APIM using Ford software that we finally got our battery drain to stop. This is something a dealer may have to do. Good luck! keep us posted ~Ryan

[@timmelton856]

WOW!! Awesome Video and Great Job Solving the issue. The Industry gets better for these kinds of video which also raises the imagine of mechanics overall - creating a better environment for all. 👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Tim , Thank you so much! Exactly what we are trying to do! ~Ryan

[@kent570253]

Thank you for sharing. Nice video and process. When I was at BMW, first thing to do was: Check that Integration-Level was up to date and check for Technical bulletins. They should have caught this one at the dealership. This is surely a widespread issue on this model. Good job finding the issue.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Kent, thanks for watching! I think checking module updates first is a great first procedure. ~Mike

[@lemoidzepol5671]

Great job. If I see before I would send it to the Ford dealer that is working with my Explorer XLT 2018. They told me that they verified all the modules and change the APIN module and today they told me that finished to install all the cabin wires. I pay much for that. Hope they find the problem and not repeat it. 3 months waiting for my Explorer. And now I see that video. Thanks so much for your time and support. Best regards.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Lemoid, thanks for watching! Hope its all set to go for you :) ~Mike

[@thisisausername1265]

Awesome diagnosis. Thanks for sharing.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Scott, thanks for watching!! ~Mike

[@PaulCTownsend]

Absolutely amazing diagnosis and video thank you.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Paul, thanks a ton! ~Mike

[@robertfrancisco1193]

cool nice video! good thing you were on the ball that day. you never know what to expect with electrical issues.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Robert, Very true! Electrical issue can lead you in all sorts of directions Thanks for watching! ~Ryan Wilsing

[@lovetolearn5253]

You shot my ideal down in the first 3 mins or so. When I seen ford suv drain unexplained, I thought rear wiper motor not seating. Then I seen the pattern and also you mentioned it 😆

[@hotrodr33]

Thank you so very much. You have just proven what I thought myself about what's going on with my Explorer. My radio isn't working (sometimes it will turn on but no volume) my phone will sync to the car but no sound and the battery will die after a day or two. I've tried to update the software using my phone as a hot spot (2017 Limited) and nothing happened. Everything operates as it should except for the radio. Thanks to you I'm going to have to take it to the dealer (even though I'd rather not) but I can take it with a lot more confidence. Thank you so very much

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Steve, thank you for watching! Good luck getting it all fixed up :) ~Mike

[@AutomotiveMobileTechnician2022]

Great Information...Never boring.....Thanks

[@GoTechTraining]

Hi Gilbert, Thanks for reaching out! This one had us thinking! glad you liked it! ~Ryan Wilsing

[@bartscave]

Crazy diagnosis and fix! Thanks.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Bart, yeh it was a crazy one, thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@FordSeniorMaster]

EXCELLENT Mike! And YES! APIM updates can be a "CIRCUS" at times! That's the nice way of putting it. Patrick

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Patrick! Ahhh yes, I was at the Ford dealer back when they would black screen out and need replacement under warranty. I also remember the days of doing sync updates in the parking lots on used cars...fun in the middle of winter lol ~Mike

[@FordSeniorMaster]

@@GoTechTraining 👍

[@MJMDiY909]

Subscribed. Nice analysis and description of the problem

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for the sub!

[@EXOVCDS]

Great walk through. Parasitic draw chasing is not a strong suit of mine. Very logical / methodical steps you guys took! The $ thanks button is not used enough by people on a lot of channels!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey man, thanks so much!!! We really appreciate the support dude! ~Mike

[@ceeweedsl]

Hey Thomas - nice to see you are always learning. You rock dude. Eurovan owner here. Cheers.

[@austintorvund1]

Great videos bud, very likeable and knowledgeable and professional

[@josedejesusvelazquez6863]

This Acronym stands for (IOD): Ignition Off Drawn. and it refers to the parasitic current of your video 👍👍👍👋

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Jose, thanks man! Yes, I found it after and did throw some text up on the screen. That's all we need, more dumb acronyms hahah! ~Mike

[@AJ-wj9ij]

Got faith on you brother thanks for sharing knowledge

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey AJ, thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@dontfollowmygirlgetsmad7769]

Dealing with this now at the shop, thank you

[@jyao5409]

Now we enter the era of diagnosing software on cars with almost no information available for technicians and diy owners.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey J Yao, yeppers...and this car's 10 years old. Hopefully the newer stuff is better....I know, wishful thinking! ~Mike

[@jyao5409]

Thanks Mike. The diagnostic logic and process you presented is top notch amid the ever increasing challenges.

[@jassonyule1560]

This will save the day tomorrow, thanks so much this is mechanical evolution. Good job perfect presentation and you are elite. You saved me hours of work you smart man. This is good.😂😂😂

[@russelallen5342]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching Russel! ~Mike

[@daveshymske4392]

Very helpful video, thank you for making it . I was wondering if that TSB will be updated to include the model year, make, etc... You were working on? My thought is, if I saw that TSB , would be to say it doesn't apply to vehicle I'm working on. Another thing that's tough in the process is there is So much information that's it's difficult to decipher. Great video and once again Thank You for your skills and abilities. Always trying to learn!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Dave, You're welcome! glad you enjoyed it! This one was a head scratcher that's for sure! ~Ryan

[@nicknicu1787]

Great case study! 👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Nick, thanks for watching man! Hope all is well! ~Mike

[@madds6678]

Had a similar problem earlier this year on an A class Mercedes’ with similar scope readings as yours & CAN activity switching a relay on & off in the fuse box, had me chasing my tail for a good while finally traced it to the SRS (airbag) ecu causing the problem & still at a loss to understand why it was switching the terminal 87m relay on for the engine but fixed the fault at the end of the day.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Madds66, thanks for watching! Yeh, that sounds like a fun one too. Fixing it at the end of the day is all the matters. You may not have any hair left after pulling it all out, but fixed is fixed lol! ~Mike

[@bernardaflores1720]

The new format is good, just strange that the Ford Tech's did even bother to check for a TSB.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey, so if you look up this exact year/model or VIN the TSB won't come up as its for one model year older. I think that's how it slipped through their fingers. ~Mike

[@1MiketheMechanic]

Those Chatty Cathy modules can be a pain! 🤣

[@GoTechTraining]

Hahhaah yeh for sure Mike! Thanks for watching ~Mike

[@pauldorkins5530]

This is so ironic got a focus in shop atm with pulsing parasitic draw and dtcs in rfa/GPS and other modules canbus off and int no comms going to trace can on Monday and check wiring in bcm but this could also be update ! I check software version on Monday! Great job 👏

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Paul, awesome! Please let me know what you find. Thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@pauldorkins5530]

@@GoTechTraining Just to let you know the 1.1amp parasitic draw was because the new battery wasn't registered/reset in the bms! Fitted by a well known company lol! Now at 20milliamps...

[@scuba422123]

hey mike! hope all is well.... i would have pulled my hair out on this one but in the end you got it must have been a great feeling!!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hahaha this was a hair puller for sure!! ~Mike

[@d.levihinneh911]

Great job. I have Explorer 2013 and I'm having the same problem.

[@GoTechTraining]

Those battery drains can be a real pain! Thanks for reaching out and checking out the video! ~Ryan

[@thebaldmechanichardatheari1124]

Very good diag. My mother in law had an Edge but I think it was 2017 and the battery would always go dead. Dealer ended up installing a trickle charger on it. They could never seem to find the draw. She traded it because they could not fix it. I told her say should find something and now I wondering if it had the same issue that you stated. I guess I will never know because she does not have it anymore.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey man, thanks for watching! It could have been an interesting one, thats for sure. Sad she had to get rid of it over that :( ~Mike

[@tennaj1367]

Great video! I have a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium that has a parasitic draw and I'm trying to figure out what in the world is going on with it! 🤯

[@cartermorey8647]

thanks for the great explanation!

[@GoTechTraining]

You're welcome! thanks for watching !

[@Mechanicsville804]

Great work!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@J.T672]

Thanks for great video.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching Jim! ~Mike

[@darrenflounders2803]

Great diagnosis

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching Darren! ~Mike

[@josephremache3721]

Nice! Too bad u have to go to the dealership to get it fixed. But I like how methodical you are while troubleshooting specially not just condemning the module. Great video just too many variables.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Joseph, Thanks for watching! You're right, tons and tons of variables and questions unanswered. I believe though, that through FDRS and a J-2534 programming box, this could be done at the independent level. ~Mike

[@josephremache3721]

@@GoTechTraining thanks for ur answers! I had a request, maybe you could show the subscriptions that are needed to program modules on different makes. It has been challenging for me to even know what websites I need to go on in order to program said modules. I'm pretty sure people would love that. Idk maybe something to think about. Thank you for the great content 🙏 😀

[@kyletuttle9064]

Great diag thanks for the info.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Kyle, thanks for watching!! ~Mike

[@delcorick9967]

Ford dealer still should've been able 2 diagnose this,, they're suppose 2 have the resources and tools 4 this, very lucky they you to diagnose it for them, nice video!

[@GoTechTraining]

Yes, there's a lot of people who would agree with you on that for sure! Thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@NateBenson-tp9fq]

This helped solved my problem. Thanks

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Nate, Glad it helped you! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Josh_FSD]

I have a 2017 Explorer Sport that goes dead if I don't drive it for a week or so, I will have to look into this, thank you!!!!

[@billysilva282]

I have a 17 explorer that just started dying a week ago.. low power on start up

[@MikeBramm]

These are the kinds of problems that drive you nuts. Good thing you stumbled upon that TSB.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Mike, these are the problems that make me lay awake in bed staring at the ceiling trying to think of another way to go about testing it. I'm guessing you've been there as well ;) ~Mike

[@jimh8188]

I have a 2014 Escape (VMCU version 2.4.23) with parasitic battery drain. I took it to a local shop and they couldn't fix it. They told me to take it to the dealer. I appreciate your excellent video. I downloaded VMCU version 3.10 using Edge and uploaded it into my car as you described. The update ran normally, but the software version did not change. I tried downloading again using Edge and Firefox. It wouldn't accept the update with a message that said I have already updated Synch. I called the Synch help. They walked me through their script. Still didn't work. They said take it to the dealer. I have an appointment next week. I will follow up after the dealer updates Sync. Background: I bought this car new with no issues until a few months ago. I never thought anything about it, but about 6 months ago I would get a message that Synch was shutting down to save battery power after it should have already shut down. I took a two-week trip and the battery was dead upon return. When I replaced it, the parts store said it had 25% life left and the alternator was good. The new battery was drained in two days. I never did anything to create this issue. I believe the software is corrupted, but do not what caused it. I will follow up after the dealer updates the Synch software. Thank you for your video. Amazing work!

[@GoTechTraining]

The sync update didn’t fix it for us either , we had to update the firmware using dealer level software

[@jimh8188]

I took it into the dealer and the service guy said there is no firmware only synch. They didn't want to update it. I told them to update firmware and synch before they started troubleshooting the parasitic drain. He argued with me about the update and said it will not fix anything... They started troubleshooting and have not updated the firmware or synch.... More to follow.

[@jimh8188]

The dealer had it three weeks and they could not fix it. They said they updated firmware and synch, but I doubt it. The version did not change. Early on they said there is no firmware, only synch. I am going to work on it myself. They kept saying that it was hard to locate because it was intermittent. If I can't fix it, I will have to find someone that can...

[@jimh8188]

It is finally fixed. The dealer bubbas kept telling me the software updates would not help. After their failed efforts to troubleshoot the intermittent draw, they had me pick it up without charging me anything. I finally got them to update the software, then they parked it in their lot. Funny thing is the software updated and the problem is fixed.

[@mph5896]

I am advanced diy. Had to add a j2534/laptop, and will have to purchase an advanced scope to work on a lot of the newer stuff. I had to buy 2, 2 day subscriptions for Ford this month to flash a used trans and key programming. Also, buying 2-3 day subscriptions to gm/Ford, exc has been required to do some of the stuff I do. The all data diy subscriptions does not cut it on some of the stuff like pin outs, wire splice locations.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey M PH, thanks for watching! You say "advanced DIY"...I'd say you're doing better than some techs out there! ~Mike

[@roxanneabbott8424]

great job!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Roxanne! ~Mike

[@codyfiscus8278]

You are awesome, bro! I have this same problem on a 2010 Ford Escape, and I have Sync, but without the GPS or touchscreen. I'm gonna try to figure out how it relates, hopefully I can reprogram my software in a similar fashion. If you have any advice for me I would appreciate it.

[@johncraig406]

One Awesome Diagnostic, I have been an IT tech since 1958, and intermittent problems like this make you pull your hair out. My neighbor has an Explorer with dead battery, I changed the battery, and the Sync module died and won't let me use the USB stick to fix it, as the screen won't light up and let me push the "click here" buttons.... her radio, well, the whole Sync system is dead for all intent and purposes... the immense cost of a new one? she is retired widow, a no go for her.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey John, thanks for watching! Sorry to hear that about your neighbors Explorer. I recall the black screen of death resulting in APIM replacements. ~Mike

[@Evolved-Tradez]

I came across this video while doing some searching on google. I've been having issues with battery draining for a few years. I would drive to the store and when I would shut it off I would see the message turning off to save battery. Then eventually the car just wouldn't turn over anymore. I've been told my alternator was fine, but have replaced the battery in the car a few times now. I began suspecting my USB because I noticed that the light in the USB stick would not turn off when I shut the car off. To be safe I also began leaving the lights turned off instead of auto and unplugging the cell phone charger as well as unplugging the USB stick I used for music. I don't drive that much and I was constantly being told that is the problem, but I never had this issue before from my car sitting and driving it a couple times a week. I found unplugging stuff I mentioned and having lights turned off (using them Manually) seemed to help, but still had no idea and I couldn't afford to have anyone help me with this. Watching this video informed me that I could download the sync software to a USB and update it so I tried that. I just finished with it and I noticed that the USB turns off now so I am hoping this updating the software is all I needed. If it is, I will be happy that I came across this video.

[@jeremystone6613]

Thanks for a great explanation of your process. I believe that IFS will work on Mozilla Firefox better than Microsoft. Worth a try if you get stuck again. It seems that we are getting to the point now that software updates need to be done before any diag can be commenced. This is hard to explain to an owner of a 10 year old car as it is generally not part of a usual maintenance routine.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Jeremy, thanks for watching! Ahhh did not try Firefox. FDRS went flawless, will probably use that from now on. I agree, software updates are a great place to start. The topo map from Chrysler is nice for that, shows which modules are out of date from what I understand. ~Mike

[@jeremystone6613]

@@GoTechTraining good to know

[@buku2008]

what a story, this is how diagnostic should look like!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching Buku2008! ~Mike

[@austintorvund1]

This, right here.. I wish all mechanics, especially reputable shops would put in just half the motivation this repair guy did. This is what I need done on my 2012 Ford Fusion which is the whole reason why I'm watching this video because it's basically the same vehicle. And I have serious electrical issues going on and something like this in depth analysis would figure it out too.. ugh. But nowhere around me are there automotive systems (electrical) repair shops that would do this for under a fortune I'm sure. But anyways I'm having some weird stuff happen with my Fusion, the ol parasitic draw. Battery 1 yr old. Prob no good anymore and sure that's an issue, always ends up the batt. But not only that my power steering assist went out at first it was intermediately and now it's permanently. I had the passenger wheel well out this last winter and and it's made its way into something. My fan turns on randomly, and If I touch the connector plug for the radiator fan under the good it will shut off. Sometimes it will do some weird electrical cluster panel needle up and down blinking and then service advancetrac, I replaced an abs. Reset everything. Still says no Trac control. The list is endless guys.

[@BeingInTheMessiah]

Wow much respect to the guys out there reverse engineering the car just to keep the wheels rolling.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for checking out the video! This one definitely had us thinking! ~Ryan Wilsing

[@michaelgoldman3812]

Can the electronic modules be picking up signals from an adjacently parked similar vehicle which is transmitting - my neighbor has a similar Ford Edge Older model - could this cause a problem in my vehicle which appears every couple of months with a parasitic draw ? PS: Thank you for providing insight to parasitic draws given the increase the use of electronics in new cars. This is helpful in addressing my issue.

[@danman9017]

good video thanks

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Dan, thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@sarahforbes2190]

Amazibg video!!!!!!! ❤🎉😮😊 I think this might be my issue!! 2012 ford explorer. Just bought with cracked touch screen but battery keeps dying. Hazzard light and eject button also not working. Seems the first step will be to replace the screen and the front panal to get those working so i can then check what version the car is using and then get updated accordingly. Is there a charge for this update? If so how much can i expect to pay? Any other way to check what version with a cracked screen (not working)? Thanks again!! Superb video!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Sarah, thanks for watching! So for the Sync system update, you should be able to do that yourself via a USB drive. Getting the APIM updated will likely have a cost associated as it requires factory programming. I'd guess the cost would be over $100. Software level could be checked using a scan tool. I'd start by fixing the cracked screen. Fix what you know is broken first before trying to solve the battery drain. ~Mike

[@bikerboy6985]

This is what shows how much dealership cares about the customers throwing parts before even check the own manufacturer TSBs and charging hundreds for that own mess

[@fascistpedant758]

Good job.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! ~Ryan Wilsing

[@billrimmer5596]

I haven’t worked on one of those. But I learned a lot. So they kicked the “can” down the road. Sherlock and Watson fixed it again. I sorta stole Diagnose Dan’s line. The note taking is a little Ivan like. U can c I spend a lot of time watching videos.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Bill!!! Good to hear from you again :) Thanks for watching! Hope all is well. ~Mike

[@heekomogwin]

Similar issue with parasitic draw on my friend’s 2017 ford explorer. She revealed recently that she went through 4 new batteries in a year, all slowly dying, about to buy a 5th new one. She’s fed up, ready to trade the car in and get rid of it.

[@TheAlex2769]

EXELENTE . THANKS FOR SHARE

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching! ~Mike

[@lisashiela9137]

Great video and explanation. Now who pays the technicians for this 36 + hour diag, Ford?

[@lisashiela9137]

Being sarcastic but that's an issue I have faced many a times. My technician could have completed several other Ro's and made a great check. I would have loved to hear how the customer was set up to expect anything but a free repair.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Lisa, this would be a tough sell. We had about 5 hours into this diagnosis. This is a hard sell to a customer for sure but not impossible. A diagnostic entry fee would need to be taken and then strong communication from there. Brake jobs, ball joints and timing belts are great and pay the bills. These are the type of jobs that establish your shop though. If you can fix this for the customer, especially since we got it from the dealer, we will be trusted to repair every vehicle they own, their family owns and hopefully some of their friends. In a world where there's 29.95 oil changes and 250 brake jobs, stand out from the crowd, Because that crowd will be growing ever thinner. That's my $0.02. Interested to hear your thoughts!!! ~Mike

[@Bobbygale121]

Amazing .. Great Job. No Chit !!!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching Robert! ~Mike

[@alvarosolorzano9300]

👍 PERFECTO, MUCHAS GRACIAS

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Alvaro!! ~Mike

[@nestorians]

I think I had the same problem. If I didn’t use my explorer for two days, the battery drained. So I replaced relay # 13 power starter relay under the hood and never had a problem since.

[@davidmarti4331]

Thanks!

[@yyz125]

Ive been having the parasitic draw on a 2015 fusion se...seemed shutting off blu tooth helped but after about 1 year car sat for 3 days and was completely dead again...

[@justincollier4403]

Cool stuff

[@GoTechTraining]

THanks Justin! ~Mike

[@johncraig406]

I have a 2002 7.3L Excursion with a 1.2 amp steady parasitic draw, " I think " it is a bad Instrument Cluster Panel Issue.... pulling it out and sending it off for resoldering, and getting upgrades for better relays. the Door Ajar lamp stays on all the time when Key ON, yet ForScan cannot see a Door Ajar switch that is activated.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey John, I did a video a while back doing a solder fix on a instrument panel cluster. Common issue back then on those. Mine wasn't for a draw though. ~Mike

[@ReygnMotorsport]

Exellent!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching!!! ~Mike

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Great job Mike! Ford parasitic draws can be a bear. Have done two similar case studies on a 2016 and 17 Lincoln MKX and MKC. Each time it was a defective module keeping the network alive. Nice scope work too. For the final parasitic draw measurement the amp clamp looks to be noisy and unreliable due to drift... A simple in-series ammeter is my favorite tool for measuring mA current :)

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Ivan, thanks for watching man! Yeh, there was a lot of noise in the clamp for sure. My biggest concern was the 42/18 second drain being gone. I've often used my Fluke in series in the past but wanted to play around with the scope and amp clamp. Were your MKX and MKC sync issue related? ~Mike

[@moniskhan2562]

Ford explorer 2014 PowerTrain Relay stays energized (coil powered) with key off, drains battery over night. After removing the relay and putting it back it did not energize ( click on and draw current) how ever after driving yesterday and parking last night, it is staying energized again draining the battery. What energizes that relay, the switch the PCM?

[@bricks312100]

If we had more videos this in depth my 03 monte carlo ss wouldnt be broke down with a security issue for 3 years. Crank no start. Run great on ether. Security injector turn off.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching! Good luck fixing the Monte Carlo

[@ZoomAutoDiag]

Click the magnifying glass in the zoom overview window by the hand. The hand let's you grab the capture. The magnifying glass let's you zoom in on selected area like in pico 6.

[@GoTechTraining]

Ahhh yeh, I should have definitely done that! Thanks for watching ~Mike

[@ZoomAutoDiag]

@@GoTechTraining yeh man. Thanks for sharing. Pico 7 is nice. Too laggy on my laptop unfortunately.

[@tracycolorado]

Show us how to hook up and scope the high speed can network please 🙏 . High speed , medium speed , how many are there and exactly why . Thanks Mike 😊

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Tracycolorado, thanks for watching! On this car, we probed into DLC connection for both CAN network. ~Mike

[@Scy]

It is amazing how little "diagnostic monitoring" there is built in to the systems. It wouldn't take much to have some sort of short and long delta on every module that would allow the system to give you the actual error message in the display to quickly aid service. E.g. when the car is meant to be parked and dead, rogue modules could easily be detected. Unfortunately I think these systems are programmed by not only different persons, but different teams, intentionally. I remember seeing a video mentioning that, and the reasoning was the kind of legalese BS that only car companies could come up with.

[@craigchadwick5393]

My question is what changed when it started? May have led you towards the module. Still hats off to you

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Craig, I agree, wish I knew. My guess, this thing was traded into the dealership this way. I was surprised there wasn't a trickle charger installed on it somewhere. ~Mike

[@bnewton239]

how much time did you put into this diag and repair? it was great to follow along.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey B Newton, start to finish this vehicle had about 5 hours into it. That includes the sync update. But that was also with Ryan and I both putting our heads into it. This type of job takes many hours of undivided attention, as i'm sure you know. ~Mike

[@ahwee77329]

quick question-- before we condemning a module for a parasitic draw-- do we depin the power and ground going to the module?--- or do we depin the medium speed bus going into the module to confirm the cause---- in this case the apim was trying to talk to the RFA module-- can we use the thermal imager to see the apim module was warm-- therefore removing or deping the bus lines going into the RFA module, then we can rule out the APIM was the cause-- (then once we know APIM was sending the bus messages, we can then replaced and programed the module, or in this case software update.) thanks MIKE for the case study,

[@GoTechTraining]

Hi hua, That is a great question! While removing power and ground can tell you what module is drawing the amperage, it may not prove the reason the module was still awake or drawing power. Same with the bus lines, like in this case, the RFA module was causing the draw, but the it was cause by incorrect feedback from the APIM. We actually did use a thermal imager and it showed the RFA module as warm, Even though the APIM software was the issue. In this particular case, it was not that the APIM was continually active on the Med Bus line, I believe it was not giving the signal to the RFA module to completely shut down and go into sleep mode. If I were to start removing pins from a modules connector I would start with inputs to that module that may keep it awake. Then move on to bus lines, the other issue is if you find the Bus staying awake you still have to determine which of the 10-50+ modules on the bus are causing the issue. I hope this answers your question! ~Ryan Wilsing

[@ahwee77329]

@@GoTechTraining what would be the next steps ,if you didn't find the tsb for software update.alwaus curious to know .thank you for the reply

[@user-wc4ll8xe4e]

Thanks

[@GoTechTraining]

You're Welcome!