I have a 2002 chevy Duramax that has been having total battery drain for a week. I think I just found the cause. When I disconnect the power...

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Customer

I have a 2002 chevy Duramax that has been having total battery drain for a week. I think I just found the cause. When I disconnect the power supply from the battery the drain quits. I disconnected the neg cable on one of the batteries and ran a test light from the cable to the neg terminal. The light came on. When I disconnected the lead to the 175 amp glow plug fuse the light went off. This is the only fuse that caused the light to go off when removed. I have read a few forums that recommend replacing the glowplug relay. I am taking this truck to a mechanic for other nonrelated issues 240 miles away. (I live in a rural town in Nevada). Will the truck run if I just remove the glowplug fuse?

Last updated
Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! My name is Relly De Jesus and I'm going to do everything in my power to answer your question to your full satisfaction!

Before we get started, I want to remind you ExpertHelp.com is an independent professional support company. We do not have any affiliation with CHEVROLET nor are we paid to provide support on their behalf. However, we have helped hundreds of customers with similar questions and believe we can help you too. OK, let’s get started! :)

I’m available to chat now. Please let me know that you are ready by posting a response. I’ll leave my chat session open for the next 15 minutes or so and wait for your reply. If I don’t catch you this time, please respond with a few times (including your timezone) that work best for you and we can connect then.

Last updated
Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! My name is Relly De Jesus and I'm going to do everything in my power to answer your question to your full satisfaction!

Before we get started, I want to remind you ExpertHelp.com is an independent professional support company. We do not have any affiliation with CHEVROLET nor are we paid to provide support on their behalf. However, we have helped hundreds of customers with similar questions and believe we can help you too. OK, let’s get started! :)

I’m available to chat now. Please let me know that you are ready by posting a response. I’ll leave my chat session open for the next 15 minutes or so and wait for your reply. If I don’t catch you this time, please respond with a few times (including your timezone) that work best for you and we can connect then.

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Customer

Hi Relly

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Hello Jim.. how are you doing?

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Customer

one sec pleas

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Here's what you should do before removing the glow plug fuse. Start the vehicle then remove the glow plug fuse. Don't start the vehicle while the fuse is out for it might not start. After that you are good to go to your mechanic. Just remove the battery connector when the vehicle is not in use to avoid battery drain. I'll be standing by for your response. Thank you

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Customer

Yes, I am doing fine, thank you i hope you are as well.

 

I got tyhe same advice just now on the phone from a friend who is a deisel mechanic.  I have been leaving the neg leads off every time i shust down.  Its a pain.

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

That's right. Is there anything else I can add or help you with Jim?

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Customer

I am thnking that the glow plug relay has gone bad.  I have total drain in less than an hour for both batteries.  Would it be better to just replace the relay?

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Actually you can go for the relay replacement first for if its bad it can cause grounding issue. If the issue persist you must take it to your mechanic to have a physical check up on the electrical harness

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Customer

I am thinking i will let him replace the relay and then he can trace any further issues.   The fuse is held down by a bolt on the engine side and a nut on a stud on the fender side so i would have to remove the fuse hot.

 

Posted
Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Right Jim that's the most practical move so he can inspect further. Regarding the fuse removal, I hope there was an easy way

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Customer

there is a direct lead from the positive terminal on the drivers side battery to the in side of the fuse and and another red lead leaving the fuse.

 

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Customer

the fuse is 175 ams and huge

 

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Yes because glow plugs will require big amps. I believe you'll be good after the harness is checked physically

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Customer

OK.  Thanks Relly!!!  You have been very helpful!  I think im good.  Thanks Again

 

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

Dear Jim, It was a pleasure helping you with your CHEVROLET issue today. Here is a summary of the resolution.

Issue identified : Battery drain
Solution Implemented : Chat and talked to Jim over the phone. Battery drain is causing a ground on the glow plug relay/fuse. The vehicle will start before removing the fuse. Will take it to a mechanic for a physical look. Solution Accepted.
If issue resurfaces : Advised to contact us at s**t@experthelp.com or call us on our support number ***-***-**** )

Posted
Mark Sequeira
Auto Mechanic

The glow plugs are used to start the vehicle mostly cold just pull the glow plug fuse only if the truck is turned off or sitting for any length of time and then replace the relay when you have time not that expensive or hard to change 

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Relly De Jesus
Auto Mechanic

 

 

 

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