08 Trailblazer with a parasitic drain. I have removed the fuse for cluster panel and now the battery does not drain over night. I do not have working gauges. This has been going on for a few weeks as money is tight. Is there a fix for this or does the cluster need to be replaced? I have seen advertising on sending people you cluster for 150.00. I would really like to get my gauges back. Appreciate any time that is taken to help in advance!
Parasitic Drain, Fuse for cluster pulled
- Thread starter AdamMa8
- Start date
It's not unheard of to have a bad cluster causing a parasitic drain:
That post has a couple of videos on how to diagnose this particular problem.
If it is the cluster, you could replace it with one from a junker at the pick-n-pull yard which shouldn't be too expensive. Just your odometer will be off so just take note of your cluster's mileage and add or subtract from the the replacement cluster. I replaced mine and put a label with the amount to deduct to remind me.
That post has a couple of videos on how to diagnose this particular problem.
If it is the cluster, you could replace it with one from a junker at the pick-n-pull yard which shouldn't be too expensive. Just your odometer will be off so just take note of your cluster's mileage and add or subtract from the the replacement cluster. I replaced mine and put a label with the amount to deduct to remind me.
(Way) out-of-the-box idea here. As an interim solution you could use an ELM327 (BlueTooth or WiFi) dongle to connect to your smart phone. Apps like Torque Pro (Andoid-only), CarScanner Pro (iPhone) can be setup to display Speed, Tach, Fuel Level, Engine Temp, etc. Cost would be in the range of $25-$35 for the ELM327 dongle and $5-$10 for the app.
I was wondering instead of a dongle, if there was a way to set the fuse up so it ran only when the car was running and turned off when the car turned off. Would have to know if there is even a fuse I could connect it to or the whole setup. A bunch of things in life all happened at once right now. When it rains it seems to pour.
It can be done with a fuse adapter like this one.
I did it to the aux lighter power that's normally always on. I think I used the wiper fuse as the source. You remove the IPC fuse, put the adapter in the wiper fuse's slot with the fuse for the wiper in the lower slot. You just put the end of the red wire with a connector crimped on into the IPC fuse connector that power's the IPC using the IPC's fuse in the top slot.
I did it to the aux lighter power that's normally always on. I think I used the wiper fuse as the source. You remove the IPC fuse, put the adapter in the wiper fuse's slot with the fuse for the wiper in the lower slot. You just put the end of the red wire with a connector crimped on into the IPC fuse connector that power's the IPC using the IPC's fuse in the top slot.
This sounds very interesting. Do you have experience with this? Do you know the fuse adapter part number? Also, what crimp? I have zero experience with electrical but I have done a alot of DIY to the car including fuel pump, wheel bearings, and brakes. Thanks for taking the time to respond
I've done this with the lighter plug so it would turn off with the ignition. The crimp I mentioned would be to cut off the butt connector from the red wire and crimp on a flat blade connector to allow you to insert it into the fuse connector.
This one should work:
Another thing, did you check the ignition switch to be sure it turns off all circuits when the key is off? It is possible for one of the internal contacts to be sticking and keeping power on to one of the circuits. This video shows how to check the ignition switch circuits using a test light but for a no-start condition. You would be checking for power still on at the circuits that should be off, basically all off except for the red and red/white power wires. It's cued to play at the relevant part.
This one should work:
Amazon.com: Mini Fuse Tap Kit Add-a-Circuit – 2PCS Low Profile Fuse Holder + 12 Fuses (3A–20A), Puller, Zip Ties, O & U Terminals – for 12V/24V Dash Cam, Car Wiring, Hardwire Kit : Automotive
Buy Mini Fuse Tap Kit Add-a-Circuit – 2PCS Low Profile Fuse Holder + 12 Fuses (3A–20A), Puller, Zip Ties, O & U Terminals – for 12V/24V Dash Cam, Car Wiring, Hardwire Kit: Fuse Holders - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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Another thing, did you check the ignition switch to be sure it turns off all circuits when the key is off? It is possible for one of the internal contacts to be sticking and keeping power on to one of the circuits. This video shows how to check the ignition switch circuits using a test light but for a no-start condition. You would be checking for power still on at the circuits that should be off, basically all off except for the red and red/white power wires. It's cued to play at the relevant part.
I will have to look into that. Thank you very much. Means a lot at this time. I had the key get stuck in the ignition before and had to replace that ignition part, can’t recall the name I think it was the ignition switch. So at work I’ll watch that video. Thank you
So the wiper fuse on a 08 trailblazer base model 4.2 is a on off with the car? Thought I remember reading somewhere that the only on off with this vehicle was in a fuse box under the seats in the back.
Had about 3 things fall apart in life and this car is one of them. Greatly appreciate the time
So the wiper fuse on a 08 trailblazer base model 4.2 is a on off with the car? Thought I remember reading somewhere that the only on off with this vehicle was in a fuse box under the seats in the back.
Had about 3 things fall apart in life and this car is one of them. Greatly appreciate the time
Sorry, just realized that the IPC and wiper fuses are under the hood. You'll have to test other fuses to see which ones shut off with the ignition switch and use it to the IPC fuse location.
In the under seat fuse box, I believe it was the rear wiper fuse I used that is switched.
Hope things get better for ya, starting with this.
In the under seat fuse box, I believe it was the rear wiper fuse I used that is switched.
Hope things get better for ya, starting with this.
So I had to pull the fuse to my cluster. I am now looking to use a adaptor kit to link into the IPC fuse. Is there a on/off fuse under the hood in a 08 Trailblazer? I think there are a few in the back under the seat fuse box. Im trying to link the IPC fuse with a switch fuse ( fuse that goes on and off when car starts ) to get my dash functioning because my cluster is pulling until i can get the funds and time to send it in.
My cluster on my 2008 Trailblazer is currently unplugged at the IPC fuse due to it drawing power. Once the fuse was pulled it no longer drains the battery.
I have watched a video on YouTube and was wondering if this exact process would apply to the trailblazer.
This is a 2007 Silverado
I know the fuse box looks pretty similar but if I follow it step by step will this work the same for the 2008 Trailblazer? This guy experienced exactly what I am going through. Instead of sending the cluster out or buying a used cluster I think this is a much better option
I just dont want to buy the parts and it does not apply, since that is generally my luck when it comes to these things.
Appreciate any and all time taken to respond. Thank you
I have watched a video on YouTube and was wondering if this exact process would apply to the trailblazer.
I know the fuse box looks pretty similar but if I follow it step by step will this work the same for the 2008 Trailblazer? This guy experienced exactly what I am going through. Instead of sending the cluster out or buying a used cluster I think this is a much better option
I just dont want to buy the parts and it does not apply, since that is generally my luck when it comes to these things.
Appreciate any and all time taken to respond. Thank you
Moved your last post to your existing thread. No need to create new threads for the same problem.
Yes and that's exactly what I suggested except you don't need a relay. The power draw on the IPC is low enough that the fuse tap with a 10A fuse will be sufficient.
Yes and that's exactly what I suggested except you don't need a relay. The power draw on the IPC is low enough that the fuse tap with a 10A fuse will be sufficient.
lewschmidt
Member
I had the problem on my 04EXT.
Sent it to: www.safetyrestore.com
Safety Restore,
40 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
(855) 552-7233
Text us: 413-454-5570
Email: service@safetyrestore.com
Had to drive around without the cluster for a few weeks. Used the speedo in WAZE, or other maps to avoid traffic citations. (Not like my TB EXT 4x4 I6, likes to good fast...
This company was excellent. Really, THE BEST!
About 6 years ago, they only took money if they could fix it. On top of that, theY'll fix it again, or 100% money back Warranty was for a long time.
(not sure if its all same... these days..)
Cluster is still working great. It would actually kill the battery over-night.
My board had the proverbial, 'mfg'er left corrosive flux on the green board, and many locations had the metal-traces chewed-thru.
On top of that, the dial motors needed replacement, and changed the illumination LEDs to red (like it at night).
Sending your current cluster for repair, avoided some resets, etc, for a 'different' used one
Good luck!