2003 Malibu LS

Hello all!

Has anyone encountered a draw on the electrical sysytem when everything is shut off? I replaced my battery and checked the alternator to make sure it was charging. I found a draw on the system of about 740 milliamps..but when the radio/cd fuse is pulled the amperage is cut in about half. I have heard of the gear shifter causing problems and draining the battery...but I am just wondering if my radio/cd player has a short circuit or has anyobe else ran into a similar problem?

jimbert2000
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With the original Factory radio the security system passes a trickle of power through the radio. Could be a high resistance short in there. If its an aftermarket radio the installer may have shorted the security wires to keep the security codes from setting and killing the ignition. Without the radio in the circuit you'll pull more amps than just a trickle. Either condition could be why the milliamps go to zero with the fuse pulled. The other, to me, obvious place to start looking is the "keep the radio playing until I open the door" feature. Perhaps the associated door switches and relays are gunked up and passing current but not enough to run the radio, prevent it from fully turning off, etc. Did you test with the radio turned on or off?

Good luck.

With the original Factory radio the security system passes a trickle of power through the radio. Could be a high resistance short in there. If its an aftermarket radio the installer may have shorted the security wires to keep the security codes from setting and killing the ignition. Without the radio in the circuit you'll pull more amps than just a trickle. Either condition could be why the milliamps go to zero with the fuse pulled. The other, to me, obvious place to start looking is the "keep the radio playing until I open the door" feature. Perhaps the associated door switches and relays are gunked up and passing current but not enough to run the radio, prevent it from fully turning off, etc. Did you test with the radio turned on or off?

Good luck.

baumbr,

I checked it with the radio off. It is the original factory radio. So far I have driven the car and not used the radio or cd player ..nor have I even reset my clock...and the battery has stayed around 12.5 volts. I am going to try using the radio and try spraying some of the door switches with some wd-40. If it winds up draining the battery ..I am going to take it back to the dealer as I have a 5yr / 50,000 mile warranty with a $100.00 deductible and let them figure it out.

Thanks for your input!
jimbert2000
[email protected]

Hello again,

Now I have encountered a new problem where the car sat for a week without being driven and somehow the clock reset itself and was over 2 hours behind the correct time? I am really starting to believe the factory radio has a short in it.

jimbert2000
[email protected]