Battery keeps draining?

Tiny
SLAM MY
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
Every time I attempt to start my vehicle, the battery is dead. It started doing this about 2 months ago, and it has become an everyday thing. Also, the E- brake warning light is on. It comes on at least once every day while driving. The first time that the E-brake light ever came on was also the first time my battery ever went dead.
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 AT 9:05 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
Okay, if the Brake warning is on but you haven't touched the parking brake there is a problem in the Electronic Brake Control Module. It is a fairly common failure item. They are not all that hard to change out and you don't need to bleed the brakes when finished. The first image is the module and its location on the hydraulic controller. To get to the module you normally need to disconnect the battery negative then remove the transmission control module to get clearance to work. Then it's a matter of disconnecting the electrical connector inspecting it for corrosion (corrosion in the connector can also cause this issue) and if the connector is okay, you remove the screws that hold the module to the hydraulic controller, then pull straight out to remove the module. Reverse the process to install the replacement module. Then once it's installed you turn the key on, but don't start the engine yet. Just pump the brakes twice. If they feel okay, start the engine. Now go for a short test drive and verify the brakes are still working and the light stays off. The module replacement should also cure the dead battery issue as it's a section of the module staying on that is causing the battery drain.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
SLAM MY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay thank you so much. I will get that replaced and hopefully that will be the end of it. I honestly think you are spot on, considering the two are happening together.
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Friday, April 5th, 2024 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
If you want to test it you can remove 2 fuses and see if the draw stops. However I wouldn't drive with them removed as it will cause a lot of errors. Those are the ABS and ABS PWR fuses that are in the fuse box under the hood on the left hand side. Even faster would be if you have access to a thermal camera. Just look at the fuse box with it after the vehicle has sat a while. A fuse drawing power will glow hot in them.
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Saturday, April 6th, 2024 AT 8:48 AM

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