Why Does My Battery Keep Dying? - Parasitic Draw Test and Fix - Operation Cheap Jeep

Have you ever said, "my battery keeps dying but I know the battery and the alternator are good"? Well perhaps you have a parasitic draw. A parasitic draw is a short in the system which can drain your battery over time without you knowing why. In this video I'll show you how to find the problem and then we'll talk about how to fix it.
If you don't have one you will need a multimeter: amzn.to/2ru0BzF
Ep 1: Project Cheap Jeep Commencing… • Project Cheap Jeep Com...
Ep 2: Cheap Jeep Tour… • Cheap Jeep Tour
Ep 3: The Work Begins - Operation Cheap Jeep… • The Work Begins - Oper...
Ep 4: Cheap Jeep - A Rare Find at the Salvage Yard… • Cheap Jeep - A Rare Fi...
Ep 5: Angle of the Dangle - Operation Cheap Jeep… • Angle of the Dangle - ...
Ep 6: Angle of the Dangle - Operation Cheap Jeep… • Angle of the 2nd Dangl...
Ep 7: Redneck Alignment At Its Best - Operation Cheap Jeep… • Redneck Alignment At I...
Ep 8: What is Cheap? - Operation Cheap Jeep… • What is Cheap? - Opera...
Ep 9: Look at My Grill - Operation Cheap Jeep… • Look at My Grill - Ope...
Ep 10: What to Look For at the Salvage Yard - Operation Cheap Jeep… • What to Look For at th...
Ep 11: I got 99 Problems and the Cheap Jeep is (Part 1)… • I got 99 Problems and ...
Ep 12: I got 99 Problems and the Cheap Jeep is (Part 2)… • I got 99 Problems and ...
Ep 13: $100 Cheap Jeep Bumper Build - Operation Cheap Jeep… • $100 Cheap Jeep Bumper...
Ep 14: Make Your Own Spool by Welding Your Gears! - Operation Cheap Jeep… • Make Your Own Spool by...
•Ep 15: Why Does My Battery Keep Dying? - Parasitic Draw Test and Fix - Operation Cheap Jeep… • Why Does My Battery Ke...
Ep 16: NP249 to NP231 T-Case Swap - Operation Cheap Jeep… • NP249 to NP231 T-Case ...
Ep 17: I Bought Cheap Tires - Operation Cheap Jeep… • I Bought Cheap Tires -...
Ep 18: Operation Cheap Jeep VS Scorpion Crawler - 4X4 Maiden Voyage & Shakedown for the Jeep Grand Cherokee… • Operation Cheap Jeep V...
Ep 19: How to Super Flush your Cooling System in One Easy Step - Operation Cheap Jeep… • How To Super Flush you...
Ep 20: Cheap Jeep Walkaround - BleepinJeep’s Grand Cherokee… • Cheap Jeep Walkaround ...
Ep 21: How Much Did It Cost? - Operation Cheap Jeep… • How Much Did It Cost? ...
This video brought to you by Pull-A-Part. If you're not familiar with Pull-A-Part, they're a self-service salvage company in the US with 25 yards in 12 states. They buy cars, sell used auto parts and sell used cars. Here is a link to their website: bit.ly/PullAPar...
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*This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.

[@MattHooker]

fun story about how everything is related (especially on late 90s Chryslers). passenger side window regulator goes out on 02 Grand Cherokee while we're out of town. I artfully use a rubber mallet to hold the window up to get us home, and I just disconnect the main harness for the door so I don't accidentally force it and potentially do more damage. in addition to NONE of the power locks working, and the right rear window not responding, the dome lights stayed on. pulling the fuse for the dome lights causes the AZC climate control to not power on. given that only left windows worked, A/C did not turn on, and it was 80 degrees, I had to stop again and replace the dome light fuse. the next day I did what I should have done at first, and just disconnected the connector for the window motor.

[@bleepinjeep]

Pretty crazy that pulling a wire for your door can cause the A/C not to work, but I believe it after messing with this stupid thing!

[@coreydenton8296]

Matt Hooker my 04 has done that multiple times. broken wire in the harness that goes to the driver's door will do that. Caused my AC to stop working, caused power locks to stop working, all 4 windows to stop working, all the lights on the dash to come on randomly, etc. Fixed the broken wire and everything worked fine afterwards.

[@NecoOmnis]

i did something similar with a late model zj like the one in the video, i simply replaced my doorpanel. then the key fob didnt work, no worries i close up and go to bed. wake up at 5am to head to work, try to start the jeep and the alarm goes off. neighbors loved it. found out after a whole day of research and chasing wires,missed work btw, that the passenger door switch assembly(window switch and door lock switch) is where the sensor for the key fob is. also found out you cant disable the alarm in a 97 zj. and if you use the power locks to lock the jeep, the alarm arms and unlocking it with the key dosent disable it, only disarms using the fob or unlocking the rear hatch with the key for some reason. my jeep had the hatch lock cylinder replaced at some point before me and that key trick didnt work. has worked on my buddies 95 zj tho. yay chrysler. i sold the zj and have just have my mj now. and a honda lol.

[@MattHooker]

Dru W i also have a 97 ZJ... fob works but alarm doesn't. I know if I try to fix it, 3 other things will break

[@shihangodan5]

If you think it was the hatch why didn't you unplug it and see if it stops. Instead of cutting wire.

[@fredflinstone1093]

I have been fixing electronics equipment for 40 years. I think this is the BEST real world troubleshooting video that I have ever seen. THANKS....GREAT...JOB!!!

[@bkamotho]

My professors had to say it twice before l got it...this guy..l could have listened with eyes closed n still got ..kudos

[@kingtut5923]

What are you saying .....BEST EVER

[@zenonsiczek1162]

Best way to wakeup a bunch of modules and then your chasing your own tail!!! There is a better way!!!

[@wileypeacock6095]

I've also been in electronics and computer repair for 40+ years and I would have followed these exact same steps. I suspect a switch that is supposed be open when the hatch is shut is either stuck or shorted closed. Or possibly not getting physically pressed by the hatch.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

@@wileypeacock6095 This is what I experienced. My back hatch switch circuit was not opening because the hatch wasn’t closing completely. My dash light was on, but I didn’t think that would drain the battery when the engine was off, but it did! Once I fixed the latch and the dash light went out, battery was healthy since!

[@ericbrooks7699]

Now this is what I call in the teaching world "Direct Instructions"-- You had an opening (hook), you demonstrated, you walked through each step, you provided a visual, and you wrapped up (concluded) this lesson on how to locate a parasitic draw. I will be locating my draw in the summer months. Well done--this was EXEMPLARY!

[@nathanielsolis1151]

He's one of the best for jeeps forsure

[@jonnygridseth7180]

I´m a mechanic. This is one the best videos I´ve ever seen. Very well explained. Perfect troubleshooting. Good job

[@kt1696]

I've had my car in the same repair garage for several years now, for the same fault, battery drain.. After having two new batteries installed within a short time, we paid for an electrical check by a car electrician, ovr £70 each time, the garage did other various checks. The electrician said no faults in the electrics, we were finding that the cooling fan was staying on after switching the battery off, this was intermittently. Then the garage fitted another new battery and a new alternator. Problem of battery drain continued. We'd charge the battery up and it would slowly drain, until the second or third week the battery would be drained. My car is 2002 vauxhall diesel 1.7. I'm so fed up. I've been giving the car a good run at least once a week, thinking I was topping up the battery but, this morning I went to start the car and the battery just made that dying sound, no start.

[@Lego_SML]

Your the first person who allowed this information to sink in. Thank you so much!

[@alale923]

Me too! Love bleepin jeep!

[@stevew7291]

Nice job. Now this is a great example of a KZbin video done the right way. Good camera angles, light up dark areas. In focus. No shaky camera. Great narration that was easy to understand, without crazy background noises. And the cherry on top was taking it to a conclusion. After watching your video I actually believe I have a chance to find my parasitic draw on my 1999 Suburban. THANK YOU!

[@johnrice4307]

Best 'parasitic draw' video evah, and one of the best uses of 15 mins. with my clothes on in my 74 years on this rock. Well done, sir. Thank you. Thumbed up. Subbed. Carry-on.

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks!

[@OfficialMarksmanTV]

Honestly the best video on parasitic draw. Detailed instructions and very clear and easy to follow. Well done sir.

[@duckthis17]

Just by showing how to set up the Harbor freight multi meter(which many people have) helped me tremendously.Great Vid.Thank you

[@m.w.2098]

Right? I was thinking about all the harbor freight multimeters I've seen in most of the videos I've watched 🤣🤣🤣 I've got my own, too

[@scottvan1898]

That a freebie item ,so everyhaborfreigh has one of those.

[@handsomwhitedevil4213]

@@scottvan1898 yep, got it for free too

[@robertodom9145]

Best $ 6.49 cents I ever spent for a tool

[@DIXIEMAFIA251]

The Harbour Freight Meter actually Brought me Here! lol Great Video

[@Ratellll]

This is one of the best instruction videos i've ever seen, Thanks Very Much !!!

[@bleepinjeep]

sure, thanks for watching!

[@raymond5145]

Adam Pawianek this video made me feel certifiable

[@kaptn_kage]

or diag the rear latch but what do I know right.

[@jaaahws]

Agreed

[@rhondakendrick2563]

love it thank u

[@SuzyKim84]

Damn. Let’s get this person to 1 mil! Great video, clear, straight to the point but explaining as tho the person watching is a auto noob! Love this!!! ❤️

[@Park2King]

I watched this video yesterday before doing some work on my battery and today I helped a neighbour with a drained battery get her manual transmission car push-started and on her way. Since this video touched on a back door-release hatch not working properly, I looked for something similar when my neighbour's "door ajar" warning light stayed illuminated. Turned out her back hatch wouldn't close properly because of some fender damage that wasn't fixed and caused the door to jam opening and closing. To open it, she would pry with her fingers on one side and pop it open. To close it, she would give it a good slam. However, the electric switch to remotely open the hatchback was accidentally hit by her and since the door didn't pop open at the time, and she didn't notice the illuminated warning light, it stayed illuminated for days until she went to start her car today. Not exactly the same problem as the Jeep in the video but the knowledge gained came in so handy less than 24 hours later. KZbin University is great!

[@bleepinjeep]

Glad I could help!

[@victorgojocco1716]

One of the Best How to Videos on solving parasitic drain!! Straight forward, less talk, direct to the point!!

[@gmiller442]

Excellent video with a fair paced description on what to do. A lot of videos are made by people who’ve done this a million times and they blast through it and you don’t have time to understand or they just don’t thoroughly explain. Thank you!!

[@Dibran9mm]

The light bulb for when the hood is open is on. Should I take the bulb out?

[@ryansantos-sr5xl]

good tutorial, i learn something from you matt...thanks, other solution is disconnect the fuse, replace it with a 4pin relay, one of the pin of the fuse is constant (+) connect it to #30 (add a fuse) of a relay, other pin of the fuse to #87 of a relay, connect #85 of a relay to ground then the #86 (switch) of a relay to + acc from the fuse box (find one), its just by doing this the body control module wont have power supply when key is off (so it wont draw any power) but when u turn the key to acc or on it will supply power to the relay switch powering it on.

[@benniedonald]

I spent a year taking electrical classes. Forty hours a week equivalent to 2 years Technical college. I had two incredible instructors and I learned a lot. However I have never understood how to troubleshoot the electrical system of an automobile this clearly explained the issue I was having understanding it. Dummy me kept thinking I would have to find the end of every wire one at a time and test them. No one has ever ever suggested checking fuses in this way. Thank you for sharing this information. I have a 98 dodge ram pickup that is drawing from somewhere. Now I can track it down without taking the dashboard off. LOL

[@erikcaldwell2913]

Your a genius, I have always turned to your videos over the years, cause your genius not only mechanically, but the way you explain things, in such detail. Your a great teacher. Thanks so much for your help over the years.

[@charliemarkson1776]

I\'m not sure but ,if anyone else wants to discover battery reconditioning business try t.co/YpdloYO92F ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my neighbor got great success with it.

[@vonshango6311]

0:40 short-circuit in the wire somewhere. 0:58 DC Volts 20, make sure you have a good battery reads 12.6v+. 1:15 check terminal for excess corrosion. 1:34 turn to 10 amp (milliamps setting ideal to spot tiny draw), move lead to amps jack, attach leads. 2:10 disconnect neg battery terminal set aside. first turn everything off, close doors or tape sensor shut, then connect leads 2:48 connect one lead to terminal, the other to the cable that normally connects to it 'to get readings in between' the two. 3:00 on the 10 amp scale you should not read anything over 50 milliamps (.05 on 10amp scale). 3:30 now pull fuses 1 at a time until you find the one that drops the drain to 0.

[@harrysurtees8710]

Mat, after watching a few other videos, for me, I liked yours best. I used what I learned from you video and fixed my sons honda, and now, the car starts, even if it sits for 3 or 4 days. Thank you. Your voice is easy to listen too, and that's a bonis. Thanks again.

[@south0heaven]

Man I'm so happy I found this video. I've been bashing my head into the wall trying to find out what was going on with my 2002 Grand Cherokee for weeks.

[@jackdolphy8965]

Great Job!! Chasing down a parasitic drain is tedious and definitely requires rigorous step by step, one piece at a time checking. You demonstrated this beautifully!

[@xaundueshaune535]

Thanks for the best class so far I have seen in this regard. more power to you

[@mikewerksps]

Knowledge is Power! After watching your concise instructional video I feel empowered to get started on my friends Mercedes with APBD (annoying parasitic battery drain). I watched several other videos and they all assumed I knew how to use a multimeter. Knowing what it is and knowing how to use it is the difference between failure and success. I start tomorrow morning and plan on having an answer as to why this happens. Thank you , thank you, thank you !

[@happylife1080]

Did you find the problem? I have an MB with an APBD.

[@jonathanelser590]

Went and got a harbor freight multi meter like in the video. Didn't notice that I picked up the 5 amp model by accident, the wires melted. My 2000 XJ has been a wild adventure so far. LOL

[@1234tric]

I liked that disruption of that '' thing a-ma-bobber.''

[@charleswilson4598]

I don't have a jeep and I don't have any electrical problems in my classic 1999 Isuzu Rodeo or my classic 1992 Ford F150, but in older vehicles, strange problems do pop up from time to time. I found this video very informative and was impressed by his savvy way of figuring things out without fancy test equipment or diagrams

[@avemaria3826]

Great job. Very simplistic and easy to follow, you're a natural teacher. Thank you for your time and sharing valuable info!!

[@premiumblue1637]

The very best video on solving this type of problem! Easy to follow sensible guide to fixing a mystery drain. A big thumbs up!!!

[@MinusStatue11]

I learned so much from this video. the whole trouble shooting process was as real as it gets, thank you mate.

[@VidTubeWatch]

Excellent job. I feel more confident now in tracking down the parasitic draw in my '87 Chevy Silverado R10. Shop said it was an alternator and replaced it. I had a new batter in, and two days later it was dead as a wedge. I should of taken it back immediately. Thanks for the alternator that I didn't need. It was a birthday gift repair, and I didn't want to let my dad know it didn't solve the problem. LOL.

[@steveyulenburg129]

That right there is some usable information.. Thanks Matt!

[@vincentamorosi5665]

Excellent Detective work I learned a Ton. My neighbor across the street gave his Old Jeep Cherokee to the Junk Yard after it killed a couple of Batteries, because he was afraid it would be to expensive to Fix. But his also needed some engine work. I think now it was the same problem!!!

[@Supakumo]

Great video. You have a knack for practical mechanic work and explaining it in a way people can follow.

[@earthwitch8]

I’ve been through 3 batteries since January. This insurance company Snapchat that monitors your driving damaged my car!! Someone told me about Parasitic draw. I’m 71 so I won’t be able to do it, but I sure can get some one to do it😊 this was an Excellent video. I am very gratful❤️ Also you have very nice hands😂

[@quincybirwood2629]

Excellent work my friend. You have solved the problem I have with parasitic draw. ...same as yours, that draw was coming from somewhere in the group going to the rear hatch sensor.

[@doomedalready]

This guy is a very smart young man , He gave me a good lesson on tracing faulty wiring.

[@survivalbyJGC]

Just an FYi(cause I didnt see it in the video nor the comments), The Security system relies upon that back hatch being closed, and if it senses that it isnt closed; the Body Control Module never 'goes to sleep' after the system arms itself(3 min after door lock or engine off and doors closed). The late model ZJ's were notorious for this flaw, and many times the BCM burns out because of it.(too many hours being on). I had this issue for some time. The alarm would go off at strange times during the night/day. The fix(if you do not have the flipper glass on the hatch) is a simple $2.00 switch/part that fits into the hatch mechanism. If the flipper glass is present: there is another plastic piece that helps the car know that the window is closed or open. Also quite cheap if you can find it.

[@survivalbyJGC]

if the BCM never goes to sleep, you will find a parasitic draw much like what you have in your 98 GC. There is also a quick fix for the hatch mechanism sensor. You just clip the sensor out of the circuit in the rear by cutting the two wires to the sensor(in and out of the mechanism) and simply crimp or solder them together. This fix will always send a circuit 'closed' to the BCM but will allow your rear hatch or flipper glass to be opened whenever without the alarm being triggered. Also a fun fact, the rear locking mechanism also controls the power feed to the rear wiper. If one or both of the sensors in the back hatch are in an 'open' signal the rear wiper will not work. The relay system will not allow the power to get back there for the wiper to do its thing. For other ZJ owners out there: Cherokeetalk and Jeep Forum have tons of info and friendly ZJ owners ready to help.

[@bezaleeluk3696]

Finally a commenter that has a clue about why a rear hatch sensor/switch is important and why the BCM should be left operational and not disabled... Is he going to tell his insurance company he's modified the vehicles alarm so it is no longer effective? I doubt it!

[@jesseayers9322]

Well done video. Good explanation without rambling; clear shots to make it easy to see each step.

[@wrestlesbears5886]

Matt, I've been a long time viewer of your videos. Not only because I have an XJ of my own, but because a lot of vids like this one, apply to more than just jeeps. I've been wanting to know how to do this ever since your first video on the cheap jeep's battery dying. So thank you for making such high quality and in depth videos

[@bleepinjeep]

no problem, thanks for being a cool fan!

[@aurorasnightcore8733]

XJ?

[@VideoCesar07]

This video is 6 years old but has to be the best troubleshooting video of how to troubleshoot a parasitic draw. I did the one that has been pretty popular of how to locate it without removing the negative battery cable but that one has proven a bust. What I love about this video is you not only show how to set the multimeter and pull the fuses but you then also show how to go to the next step to narrow down where the draw is in case you still end up at a rather broad range of possibilities like the wire cluster that the fuse was connected to which in turn controlled the BCM which would have been a major pain to troubleshoot. Hopefully whatever is draining my battery now is something easy to locate, but better yet, easy to fix.

[@ChrisMassie_RVA]

What a useful video! I don't have a jeep, but I do have a couple old cars that I'm maintaining. Thanks, Matt!!

[@justinreichelt8175]

Stumbled upon this gem of a video when looking to trouble shoot my truck's battery. Seems to have a sluggish start with struggling to fully crank up lately. Just wanted to drop a line to say that this video was excellent, you were crystal clear with your directions, stayed on topic, and moved quick to the point. My favorite part is when you provided a brief explanation of why you thought the error was happening to apply and understanding everything discussed and done in this video. Outstanding work!

[@umarauwal1959]

Thank you so much sir, This was one of the most helpful videos I've watched. You kept it simple and step by step 🙏

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

Perfect Video! For someone that doesn’t know a lot about wiring/meters... it helped me out tremendously. Couldn’t have asked for a better video. Thanks Bud!

[@SoCBrain]

This is a fantastic tutorial, love your style, clear, direct and concise, I learned a lot, thank you!!!

[@YOassron]

Excellent video.. i did just what you said and as i rolled through the fuses on my '90 YJ i figured that nothing was going to take that voltage to zero.. THEN i pulled the DOME fuse and 0.00. What a beautiful feeling... now onto the next step. Thanks again for your help man

[@deltabravo1411]

The fact that some people gave this video a thumbs down is really sad. Thanks for this video, good stuff man!

[@hogansgoat15]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! I get so tired of trying to locate DIY videos that are loaded with guys yammering about stuff instead of showing relevant content. After watching this, I'm ready to take a shot at my C4 'Vette's battery drain. Mine isn't terrible; I usually get 5 days before the power is too low to start, so I keep it on a trickle charger, but that's an annoyance. You've given me the confidence to go after it myself! THANK YOU!!

[@jimcarr4519]

Before cutting the purple wire you can remove it from the plastic block with a straight pin. slide the pin next to the wire. on one side will be a release letting the wire free from the block

[@bezaleeluk3696]

You can do that or just leave the fuse out as it's probably exactly the same circuit he's disabling (NOT FIXING)

[@Thepreacher1960]

Dear sir I enjoyed the video. You showed from A to Z and without shortcuts,that way even someone without knowledge can check those things. Thank you

[@ALMAX65]

Brilliant man, had a drain for ages , I think I found it through this method , appreciate your time posting this ..great stuff

[@ricky-sanchez]

European sarcasm? Maybe?

[@Farmer3190]

This gentleman is a bloody genius. All other videos show you how to find the draw, just like this video and they stop. The difference is the 2nd half of this video. I pin pointed my radio as the reason for the draw. What is it in the radio pulling amps? Who cares. I just installed a kill switch. This dude saved me $100’s of dollars as you really are at the mercy of the repair shop. Thank you sir. Great video.

[@metallicamastg]

whoo, that scene with pulling fuses was tense, like a real hollywood masterpiece 🍿

[@dragonluz]

Matt Matthew I like when Matt say “I hate computers”

[@elgatogordo9523]

Awesome video 👍 I was able to find the parasitic draw on our 2006 Honda Odyssey by following your troubleshooting method step by step. Turns out the passenger sliding door was the culprit. What’s odd, we were not getting a warning light or alarms 🤔 I ended up spraying silicone into the locks, sliding tracks, and the locking mechanism with no further issues.

[@sjstub]

Great video Matt. You're a very good teacher. Ever think about taking rings & watches off when working around cars...esp. electrical? Ever see an injury from a shorted out ring? This safety stuff was ingrained in me while serving as an acft electrician in the AF.

[@charleswilson4598]

Years ago I was replacing a headlight bulb on my Ford. The pos post of the battery was located quite close to the metal of the front fender area. So when I reached between the battery and the fender to replace the bulb my wrist bridged the gap. I was wearing a wrist watch at the time with a metal watch band, so the watch band bridged the gap between the pos post and the sheet metal, creating a dead short and many amps around my wrist. I tried to flip the watch band off of my wrist with my other hand but it was so hot I couldn't touch it. After jumping around and flailing my arms I finally got that watch band off of my wrist. I developed a permanent scar where the watch band went around my wrist and I can still see that watch band 40 years later.

[@jabroski69]

@@charleswilson4598 ouch I bet that only happened once. I once pissed on an electric fence after a dare it burnt my hair and schortched my balls and made me shit in my coveralls

[@lynchcreekmuzzy5759]

Yep....never wanted to get caught wearing rings, jewelry, etc on the flightline. U.S.A.F. Weapons Specialists F-16 A10 Warthog

[@francispotter5300]

I have a problem with. My 94 Chevy S-10 battery go dead after a week of not driving fairly new battery , checked and replace alternator every thing was good let set for week no start dead battery , thanks for sharing your talents going to be doing so testing

[@harrybachmann9815]

Great video and tips Matt! Would have come in handy when I had my 98ZJ with the same problem. LOL, I spent hours trying to figure out where my draw was.

[@thewcalame506]

This was one of the most helpful videos I've watched. You kept it simple and step by step. I also appreciated the proper terminal hookup on the meter since I lost the instructions to mine years ago. I watched your video last night and found the dome fuse had the parasitic draw, this morning. Pulled the fuse and the draw was gone. Thank you.

[@jeffchappell4856]

Great trouble shooting, very helpful! the back hatch sensor gets out of adjustment inside the hatch, lots of people have that issue... causes the alarm to go off too.

[@HewettBrian]

Jeff Chappell how do you re-adjust it? That's mine too. About 2am my alarm will go off for no reason.

[@jeffchappell4856]

here is a good writeup Brian: www.nagca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38617

[@lordbaltimore1450]

By far your practical video is the "BEST" one I noticed and actually used to troubleshoot my p/u truck issue and eliminated the battery discharged. Thank You Very Much

[@kcb295]

Hey Matt thank you, very thorough and informative..

[@mactackett1]

Very well made video. Very informative. Now I can go fix my 2007 Jeep wrangler. Mine is the M13 fuse which also controls many things. Damn computers. I hate them too. The only thing good about them is being able to watch videos like yours. Thanks.

[@subhashbandodkar6630]

Hi there FROM INDIA,, I fixed my car battery witch was draining from 2 months watching your video.. Im very happy now,, Thanks a lot man

[@allyoop8879]

which not witch LOL. car battery WHICH was draining.. The word "witch" refers to an evil person like Hillary Clinton.

[@shaf3006]

Very very happy aa, glad you fix it macha

[@joetaylor1459]

6 yrs and still impressing with your wisdom.. cheers

[@crazycadillacman]

This is a great and informative video, I like the method of testing between the male and female parts of the connectors for current. I do have a question, how would one perform this same type of test on the type of fuse boxes that are hard wired in like some of the auxiliary fuse boxes and some manufacturers also have them hard wired with no connectors

[@codyreece7871]

Useful reply but it doesn't answer their question. Just saying I'd like to know how to test them if they are built in. My only answer is to barely peel a tiny piece of plastic off of the wire to be able to test it, or all if it takes it, then just use electric tape around the places you done it, idk just an idea

[@christiroseify]

I'm so grateful you did this video. I have a sudden parasitic drain since I pulled the passenger seat and overhead console out of my 1990 jeep. Your video has given me the first place to start looking. God Bless you!!

[@janerikjensen5361]

Great video, and spot on regarding how almost everyone can perform a faultfinding like this and to come up with a solution / remedy. Again, thanks a lot .-)

[@micjon7620]

Mat has just shown you diy teachers how to teach and not how much you know or have. So simple and that's how we learn. Thanks Mat.

[@russelljowett7258]

Matt the real pain here is not in your head, it's in your ribs /shoulders/back/neck the day after spending 5hrs bent double in the dam footwell trying to find the problem! Ahhhh! Been there done that! Sometimes I even sing to myself I love my jeep I love my jeep when it's taking forever to find the bleepin problem!!

[@Hangtime96]

Your video was very helpful as you spoke in plain English instead of using all of those technical terms . I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the NEW battery drains away within just a couple of days . I also have that 'worthless' factory anti-theft alarm in it that goes off , for no reason , all the time . I think my electrical drain is in the alarm system , and when you said YOUR problem was in the back hatch area affecting the dome lights , I have a alarm 'sensor' in the rear hatch door that maybe is the problem . But Your video showed me How To Determine where the battery drain could be with your 'Fuse Box' test . If my #7 fuse shows the drain , that is my 'factory anti-theft alarm' , then my suspicion was correct . If it isn't , then you saved me a whole lot of time and trouble messing with it . Thanks Man !

[@dkgrace6743]

Best video on this subject. Very detailed and thorough. Thank you. Move over Chrisfix.

[@justcaldwell]

Hands down, THE BEST video I've seen for troubleshooting a parasitic draw. Thank you!!

[@lukemarks7403]

Thank you so much! Going to do this tomorrow.

[@Raymond-rr5iv]

Matt you got me !! I just bought a used late model 2018 Kia Sedona with 28,300 miles and 3 years on the warranty. I had no trouble until 3 weeks after I bought the car. The battery went dead. So, I jumped it, went to AutoZone, found out had a dead battery and replace it. 2 Days Later the battery went dead again. I jumped it, went AutoZone... same drill and the battery... alternator and starter are fine... so I have a parasitic battery draw !!! Darn it !!! Why does this happen to me ?? So, I've watched about five videos on parasitic power draws and yours is pretty good 👍. I can see it's not going to be as easy as I would like,...but maybe not that bad. Thank you so much for your demonstration/ explanation and teaching. I really do appreciate it and I'd probably be lost without KZbin gurus like yourself. I spent all my money on the car and I can't afford a mechanic now. By the way I hate electronics too !!!

[@jarochotv7832]

YOU THE MAN THANK YOU SO MUCH IT HELP ME A LOTS

[@nickcoller1962]

Smart, smart, very smart way to fix the problem. Thanks a lot for your video, your explanation and your time!

[@maxinpains6937]

When he start to using a metal pin to connect wire I knew he is one of us . LoL 😂 job well done !

[@williamjannay]

I Have been struggling to find a battery drain in my 86 ford ranger. Most videos on this subject are to technical. This video is down to earth and common sense.

[@Jarod1941]

My wife had a parasitic draw in het TJ. She likes learning so she did it herself. I offered to help teach her but... Her reply? "I have a date with Matt" I watched a rerun of CHiPs with the dog. 🤔🤔🤔

[@seanc3362]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jessec2353]

Saw your video on TV and had to get on my phone to give you a big thumbs up for this video. Great detail and to the point. No cursing nor talking about nonsense. BTW, my 2005 Grand Cherokee has a latch on each side of the rear door. The warning Rear Door Open would come on/off at times. Didn't realize the right latch wasn't fully engaging. So now I just put a bit more pressure til I hear that side click. Problem solved.

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO...

[@bobbyz7736]

That was a great video on tracing down a short causing battery drain. I like that you had no music going, spoke clearly and showed each step as you went. Thanks for taking time to give us all some helpful information!

[@AceBoy2099]

I haven't used all data but I'm sure the wiring schematic you could probably find there would have told you what was on that #7 circuit and when you traced the wire like you did it'd tell you what it controlled, instead of just cutting it you could have unplugged the back hatch sensor pin thing to test it that way, (probably ideal for "important" things compared to cutting and resplicing when it isn't needed) then you don't have that live wire just dangling and if you found a decent sensor somewhere down the road you could just throw it in and be fixed right.... plus the wiring schematic may have gave a clue to where the wires run incase of a break/short somewhere inline that could be fixed.

[@delinquentdesign]

Matts a smart boy. he'll probably just use it to power a dummy led theft deterrent light as a cheap security system for the cheap jeep. Problem solved.

[@ericg3354]

AceBoy2099 alldata is pretty sick ive used it alot

[@willefixit]

@@ericg3354 $$ cheap jeep

[@johnnation6187]

Great video. I checked the vehicle diagram. The wire you cut (violet) is pin 8 of that connector. It is the input power to the Auto Headlamp Light Sensor (VTSS LED); located on the top of the dash. It gets its ground from pin 23 (BLK/LT GRN) "Lamp Driver" at the Body Control Module (lower left of dash). In case you wanted clarification to where it leads.

[@johnnation6187]

The headlight sensor and LED is located on the top driver side dash. You can carefully pry up on the part of the dash that surrounds the LED and daytime light sensor. This component is held on by one screw. Remove and disconnect or replace. If left unplugged, headlights will have to be manually turned on when sun goes down. This faulty component will also cause the headlights to randomly come on even when the ignition is off.

[@richardbutler6770]

Great video . Well articulated , informative , and easy to understand. Definitely a thumbs up. THANKS ! It helped us a lot , and we appreciated the effort that you put in .

[@jnray094evr]

06 Chevy impala bought in 2017 used, in 2022 would not start. Replaced alternator high mileage. Still no start. I noticed battery seems to draw slow. It might be nice to find a data base from dealers or concerned owners to check on similar issues. Sad to not see it. Thanks for your info.

[@omnomix]

i learned more thank you for the knowlage

[@markcimino3384]

One of the most helpful videos for diagnosis. Thank you man!

[@delinquentdesign]

Yo Matt you think this was the reason the previous owner junked the jeep? Also I wonder if said owner watches your videos lol.

[@bleepinjeep]

are you the previous owner?

[@shaf3006]

The previous owner banging his head regret selling it so cheap.. If he knew that was the wire earlier 😭

[@kevinphillips6593]

This finally helped me solve this issue on my WJ. Mine was the rear driver side door ajar sensor. Confirmed the parasitic draw, tracked it down to connector C1, pin 10. Clipped that wire and the draw dropped to zero. Since I had the seat and all trim pulled anyway I went ahead and patched in a new wire from the panel to the connection at the door. Everything works perfectly again. Thanks a ton dude. Great channel, one of my absolute favs.

[@23x31]

Nothing says you've arrived like that free Harbor Freight meter.

[@ecaryn.]

Thank you for your instructional! You are so right about the other vids on parasitic drain lacking beyond the initial testing!

[@kbacon77]

Very thorough and informative which helped out, but I would have popped a Clonazepam or two and washed it down with some whiskey before I set that bitch on fire and collected the insurance money. Good video though.

[@craigells4151]

Great run through, now I know what I have to look forward to when the snow goes and I can dig out my 98 ZJ.

[@moneymac2864]

tape the door sensor lol yeah cause that would work NOT

[@allyoop8879]

No, painters tape will not combat a strong spring. The best method is to use a clamp around the door frame and a piece of wood if necessary.

[@shaf3006]

Just weld the spring lol😜

[@montytaxara4328]

I hate chasing electrical gremlins!! Your no bullshit videos with your mono-tone voice gives me a zen and am able to fix my problems without putting holes in my shop walls...thanx!

[@lydgate3419]

One of the best videos ever. Excellent demonstration of logic, which is a function of intelligence. Thanks

[@ssnders2522]

Thank you so much for your video, I had a battery draw and bought a multimeter to figure out what’s going on, I looked at multiple different videos on KZbin and all of them were vague and didn’t really break down step by step what to do, I find your video and was able to finally diagnose the problem correctly, thanks again!!

[@rrubalc]

You have the gift of teaching !! Great job. I admire you being so humble ! Greetings from California.