Fwd Lamp Harness Circuit Killing Battery - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

GoFastLifer · 11-04-2007

1994 ZR-1. Circuit staying hot when ignition off, killing battery.

Disconnecting the ground from the battery and using a test light while pulling fuses to see what circuit is staying open when the ignition is turned off I have traced the problem to the "Forward Lamp Wiring Harness." These fuses are located under the hood/Drivers side against the rear of the left front wheel well (fuse box "A" in the owners manual). The 20 amp circuit labelled "Interior Lighting" (fuse located at left end of fusebox closest to engine) is staying hot when the ignition is turned off. However, the interior lights do not remain on when the ignition is off and the doors closed so there is no indication of a problem until the battery is dead.

The only way I can keep the battery from draining when the car isn't running is to remove the 20 amp "interior Lighting" fuse. This fuse obviously controls more than just the interior lighting because the car will not start with the fuse removed. Obviously it feeds the column ignition switch, as well.

Anyone run into this problem before and have an idea where the problem originates? Electrical problems blow my mind and any help will be much appreciated. This problem just popped up Friday evening. Of course I will take the car to my local Chevy dealer tomorrow, Monday, but they may benefit from your experience.

Please respond here on the forum but if you could also send me an email at tomandh@skybest.com I would appreciate that as well.

Thanks and have a great day,

Tom

Corvette95 · 11-04-2007

could be in the courtesy delay module.
you ned to post other conditions like was all the doors closed, key in/out of ignition, PKE turned off. If no bulbs are burning there would be no draw anyway.

GoFastLifer · 11-04-2007

Thanks. As per your suggestions I'll do a bit more sleuthing and post that additional info a.s.a.p.

Tom

GoFastLifer · 11-05-2007

It appears to be a problem with the PKE system. After replacing what turned out to be a bad battery in the transmitter and operating the door lock button on the transmitter the draw on the circuit initially described stopped. However, now the PKE system is not working. Reprogramming the PKE transmitter indicates the system recognizes it but it's not automatically opening/locking the doors and arming the alarm. At least now it isn't killing the battery. I'll have my Chevy dealer work on it.

11-04-2007	#1
GoFastLifer Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, NW, N.Carolina Posts: 8	Fwd Lamp Harness Circuit Killing Battery 1994 ZR-1. Circuit staying hot when ignition off, killing battery. Disconnecting the ground from the battery and using a test light while pulling fuses to see what circuit is staying open when the ignition is turned off I have traced the problem to the "Forward Lamp Wiring Harness." These fuses are located under the hood/Drivers side against the rear of the left front wheel well (fuse box "A" in the owners manual). The 20 amp circuit labelled "Interior Lighting" (fuse located at left end of fusebox closest to engine) is staying hot when the ignition is turned off. However, the interior lights do not remain on when the ignition is off and the doors closed so there is no indication of a problem until the battery is dead. The only way I can keep the battery from draining when the car isn't running is to remove the 20 amp "interior Lighting" fuse. This fuse obviously controls more than just the interior lighting because the car will not start with the fuse removed. Obviously it feeds the column ignition switch, as well. Anyone run into this problem before and have an idea where the problem originates? Electrical problems blow my mind and any help will be much appreciated. This problem just popped up Friday evening. Of course I will take the car to my local Chevy dealer tomorrow, Monday, but they may benefit from your experience. Please respond here on the forum but if you could also send me an email at tomandh@skybest.com I would appreciate that as well. Thanks and have a great day, Tom

11-04-2007	#2
Corvette95 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 1,119	Re: Fwd Lamp Harness Circuit Killing Battery could be in the courtesy delay module. you ned to post other conditions like was all the doors closed, key in/out of ignition, PKE turned off. If no bulbs are burning there would be no draw anyway. __________________ Corvette95 Registry and Forum (*************) 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Gry Auto Hardtop Top Flight SOLD 1995 C4 Coupe Purple/Blk 6 Speed 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Red Auto SOLD 1996 C4 Conv Black/Tan Auto SOLD 1994 C4 Coupe Wht/Blk SOLD 1995 C4 ZR-1 White/Gry #278 Dual Dunn Head SOLD 1986 C4 Coupe Black/Red 4+3 SOLD 1990 C4 ZR-1 Red/Red #0454

11-04-2007	#3
GoFastLifer Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, NW, N.Carolina Posts: 8	Re: Fwd Lamp Harness Circuit Killing Battery Thanks. As per your suggestions I'll do a bit more sleuthing and post that additional info a.s.a.p. Tom

11-05-2007	#4
GoFastLifer Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, NW, N.Carolina Posts: 8	Re: Fwd Lamp Harness Circuit Killing Battery It appears to be a problem with the PKE system. After replacing what turned out to be a bad battery in the transmitter and operating the door lock button on the transmitter the draw on the circuit initially described stopped. However, now the PKE system is not working. Reprogramming the PKE transmitter indicates the system recognizes it but it's not automatically opening/locking the doors and arming the alarm. At least now it isn't killing the battery. I'll have my Chevy dealer work on it.