Battery drain I'm trying to find out some info

2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
299,000 MILES • 4.8L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DIESEL109
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  • 3 POSTS
I'm trying to find out some info on my headlight switch before replacing the battery or digging into the starter or alternator. Five hours after using my truck I went to go to the store and turned the key then nothing . No clicking no dash lights some lights no anything . After checking around with fuses I realized the headlight switch was set in the parking light position and not in auto position as usual. Unless my girlfriend accidently put it in the parking light position it has always stayed in the auto position since I bought it. So, will the parking lights operate on this truck with the key in off position to cause a battery drain. I've checked all related fuses but I don't have a tester for relays .
Dec 15, 2020 at 10:41 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, the parking lights will turn on with the key off. Have you recharged the battery yet at this point? Do that and give it a try.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
May 13, 2021 at 11:37 AM
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DIESEL109
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  • 3 POSTS
Hey Joe , i took the battery to oreiilys to be tested and charged and they said the battery was shot so i got a new one today but now i dont know if it was the parking lights. I hooked up the battery and it started sparking at the connections a lil bit but majorly sparking from the wire or cable coming out of the bottom of the fuse and relay box under the hood . It will run long as its not arking but will die completely in the road when it arks and wont restart without wiggling that wire.
May 13, 2021 at 11:37 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi:
What wire are you referring to? If you are getting arcing from the fuse box, that is a problem that could lead to a fire or other issues. Can you take a pic of the wire you are referring to and upload it for me to see?

I attached a portion of the wiring schematic. Do you see which wire it could be?

Let me know.

Joe
May 13, 2021 at 11:37 AM
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