Parasitic drain when vehicle is turned off?

2002 VOLVO XC70
147,000 MILES • 2.4L • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
DEALER NOTES; * "performed parasitc draw test. when pulled fuse 25 for the driver side door current drain drops down to 36ma which is acceptable range
notice customer already replacedthe DRIVER DOOR MASTER SWITCH with used parts
would recommend replace door latch and recheck" *

my question; is the latch on this vehicle connected to +12v independant of the MASTER SWITCH?
i have the master switch unplugged/out of circuit and still have 0.190ma ~ .225ma drain
Aug 3, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
the dealer made a video and sent it to my e-mail; https://sdkmobileapi-969674f0-5c81-475e-8a94-027769595a05.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/media/71f57ef9-66b9-4a71-a33c-b0d044bf1fca/f3b299f4-2bcb-4e1d-ac3c-911d5b0055bd.mp4
i pulled fuse #25 and the driver master switch and still have a drain of .225A, (225ma), which seems like a lot
Aug 4, 2026 at 4:49 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,119 POSTS
Yep, I watched the video and the tech is right, so we should replace the door latch on the drivers side front to see if that fixed the problem, when he unplugged it the draw went away. Let me know what happens.
Aug 5, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Avatar
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
the dealer wants $640. "to see if that fixes the problem"
On my way back from the Dealer i noticed the Cruise Control wasn't working, what i didn't realize while driving back on the highway was that my turn signals, brake lights and radiator cooling fan weren't working as well.
i found and reconnected the radiator cooling fan and am still trying to find and reconnect the brake/turn signal lights. i had the master switch disconnected and the fuse pulled when i measured the 225ma drain. (i call it the master switch, it's the driver door module that raises and lowers the windows, it doesn't work and the guy i bought it from had already put a different drivers door module in to no avail)
i've contacted the dealer, several times but have yet to receive a response . . .
Aug 5, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,119 POSTS
I would try just unplugging the door latch overnight to see if the drain goes away, you don't need to replace it just yet. Please start a new question for the other issue you are having with the turn signals, brake lights and radiator cooling fan not working. Also have you run a CAN scan? I would to see what codes are stored, this video will help.

CAN SCAN - https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Let me know please.
Aug 6, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Avatar
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
i unplugged the main wiring harness to the door and still have a 225ma drain, measured from the negative battery terminal to the negative cable.
i think the $640 doorlatch isn't the issue.
the other items were radiator cooling fan connector was left unplugged and one fuse opened two other fuses had been pulled pulled during the diagnosis.
i have an AUTEL AL319 scan tool but it doesn't pull up codes on this car.
the reason i went to the dealer in the first place was a "SRS AIRBAG SERVICE URGENT" notification on the instrument cluster. they changed a *recall airbag but the notification is still there. thanks
Aug 6, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,119 POSTS
Yep so that was not it, that would have been a waste, 30–50 mA is acceptable. So the hunt continues, we must complete the CAN scan to help point us in the right direction. It sounds like the BCM is no going to sleep bad I could be wrong that is why we need the scan.
Aug 7, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.