Parasitic Draw Question! Help!

[Josh]

So after testing for a draw, I have found that the draw drops when I pull the fuse block labeled ABS SOL, ABS MOTOR and POWER WINDOWS. Now that I know its coming from this, what is the next step? How do I go about checking and seeing which one of those is causing the problem?

The car is 2005 Nissan Altima

Thanks

Topic

[James]

You can check for amp draw across the individual fuses while plugged in. When in amp mode do not touch a power and ground. You will risk causing damage. only do amp measurement in circuit on power OR ground side.

[Andrew Phillips]

Are you 100% sure? What is the measured current draw from it? That circuit should only be powered when the key is in run or start. A “parasitic draw” only happens when the key is off. Don’t forget about the retained accessory power (RAP) feature. The RAP keeps power active to the windows for a certain amount of time after the key is turned off, so it could show up as a parasitic draw during the timeout period. If the key is off, the RAP has timed out, and that circuit is still drawing current, there is something cross-circuiting with it or there could be a problem with the body control module. Have you checked for codes (even if there is no service light)? Are there any aftermarket accessories installed?

[Josh]

The draw was around 9 amps. I was just following the many tutorials and as soon as I removed that fuse, it dropped to .11 on the meter. The car had not been on for hours. Haven’t checked for any codes.
And there are aftermarket accessories. An anti theft alarm system and there was a sound system but no speakers are connected right now.

[Andrew Phillips]

9 amps is a pretty hefty load. I would probably start at the fuse box where you pulled that fuse and start tracing the wiring on the load side of the fuse. You may find that an amplifier or other accessory has been wired into that circuit and is back-feeding power to it, because there should only be power there when the key is on.

[Author]

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