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Post by way2old on Jun 14, 2005 13:54:08 GMT -5
1997 Ford F150 4.6L engine Automatic trans 42978 miles. We have a constant drain of 140ma on this vehicle. There is no add ons on it. Ford specs call for 50ma. The only way we can get the current draw into specifications is to pull fuse 15 in junction box(GEM fuse) or remove the Battery Saver Relay. This truck runs the battery down over the weekend. I know the operator and I really do not believe there are any accessories or lights being left on. Ford manual says the modules should turn off in about an hour. We have had a ammeter hooked up for 4 hours and draw is still the same. Battery saver relay goes directly to GEM to power part of it up. End of fiscal year and money is gone, so I can't buy just for a test. If any of ya have run into this, I appreciate the help. Leaning to Battery Saver Relay(since it is cheaper :  Just walked out and the draw has dropped well within specs.  Need some one that is bald to help, so they will not lose any more hair. See ya. |
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Post by re-tired on Jun 14, 2005 15:34:44 GMT -5
Tom for what its worth. In one year i changed 4 Gems . 2 for draws 2 for inop door locks. Thier boogers to get to and pin check .I finally went to junk yard and got a known good tester.
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Post by DanD on Jun 14, 2005 16:00:45 GMT -5
If you can pull the GEM fuse and the draw disappears like when the relay is removed, I would think that the relay is ok and not shorted. The next question is why the GEM isn’t shutting down the relay when the battery hits the low voltage threshold when it sits for the weekend.
OK give me heck for this one but are you sure its not just the battery, I’ve had batteries load test and charge test with out a problem. Let them sit on the bench for a few days and they’d be all but dead self-discharging.
Dan.
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Post by re-tired on Jun 14, 2005 18:22:38 GMT -5
Your turn Mike.
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Post by way2old on Jun 14, 2005 20:05:55 GMT -5
Hey Dan. Battery and alternator are new. Don't think that would be it. Neverknow though. Will check tomorrow
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Post by Venturi on Jun 14, 2005 23:44:01 GMT -5
Ok, my 2 cents worth…….. I agree with Dan’s line of thinking, if you pull the fuse to the GEM and the draw disappears it would seem to eliminate the possibly of a faulty Battery Saver relay or a short to ground in the BS relay control circuit. As I understand it, the GEM should de-energize the Battery Saver after about 40 minutes if the ignition remains off and there are no active inputs from the door handles, door switches, key fob, ect. Shortly after that, the GEM itself should go to sleep. It sounds to me like either the GEM has a case of insomnia or it’s receiving a wake-up call from one of its inputs when it shouldn’t. But in the case of the later, as Dan said, shouldn’t the GEM shut everything down when the battery voltage drops below a certain threshold? I’m just theorizing (or is it hypothesizing) here, I haven’t really had to get into a GEM problem like this. I’ve only seen 2 problems with GEMs so far, one was just dead and the other had an interment operation because it took a bath due to a leaking windshield. I take it that you have no B codes that are of any help? |
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Post by re-tired on Jun 15, 2005 0:04:05 GMT -5
The 2 that i changed due to draws would not go to sleep mode.A faulty input should show up on scanner. I love ferds.
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Post by Venturi on Jun 15, 2005 0:20:10 GMT -5
A faulty input shuld show up on scanner. That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure.....Thanks |
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Post by re-tired on Jun 16, 2005 19:20:27 GMT -5
How did that GEM of a ford work out Tom  |
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Post by way2old on Jun 16, 2005 19:33:50 GMT -5
Checked it 4 times today. Gem shut off on time each time. So we are going to give it back for the weekend to see if it runs down again. It is parked just 3 miles from my house, so I might drive by to see what is going on. Will let you know more on this the first of week. Just love these that won't cooperate with us.  |
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Post by re-tired on Jun 16, 2005 22:11:34 GMT -5
If ya want it to act up again----give it back to the customer !
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Post by way2old on Jun 17, 2005 6:42:06 GMT -5
zactly
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Post by DanD on Jun 18, 2005 5:50:34 GMT -5
If this keeps coming back to haunt you, wire in a toggle switch for the relay, so he can manually shut it down. Tell him it’s also a poor mans anti theft device.
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Post by way2old on Jun 19, 2005 17:06:53 GMT -5
Might be battery buddy time ;D ;D ;D
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Post by way2old on Jul 6, 2005 12:37:36 GMT -5
Well, we have not seen the vehicle since it was returned to the division. I am assuming they finally have learned how to turn all lights off before leaving for the night. If ii returns, I will let ya know.
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