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Intermediate battery drain

Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
When checking for a short put the tester on the positive cable found a buzzing noise under the passenger side dash. Sometimes it goes on sometimes it's not, but that's what's draining the battery. Can't find out what it is under the dash that's coming on and off when you turn the ignition on and off doesn't always happen.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 6:30 PM

23 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

There are quite a few things under there. A buzzing could be anything from an HVAC actuator to a relay. Do me a favor, try removing 1 fuse at a time to see if the draw stops. If you determine a specific fuse we will know what circuits are affected. Then we can pinpoint possible components. Also, let me know what side of the dash you hear it from and how quickly it drains the battery.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
It is under passenger side of the dash. We did the fuse pulling one at a time still did not find out where powers coming from this is an intermediate problem. When I put the test light on the positive side of the battery sometimes when it's no light comes on there's no noise and then do it again and sometimes the noise will be there light will be on.
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Saturday, September 7th, 2019 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
When that happens with the test light on the battery, where are you getting ground? Is it on the battery or somewhere else?
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Saturday, September 7th, 2019 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Battery ground its intermediate the buzzing noise is coming from under the passenger side. Every thing is off including the ignition. Are there any other fuse box besides the one under the driver's side?
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Did the fuse thing kept making noise.
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

If the ground is intermittent, have you confirmed the ground to the engine block as well as the ones that go to the body from the battery?

Joe
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-1
Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
The ground isn't intermediate, the buzzing is. I redid everything pulled the fuses took my test light to the positive side of the battery with the battery cable off and then on to the battery cable buzz. You started again you can really hear the buzzing on the inside of the van underneath the passenger side. I don't know what's under there because the air conditioning everything's there. It's got a new battery, new alternator. The van hasn't been mickey moused. Always been taken well care of.
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 12:20 AM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Then there are times that buzzing stops the key off or on, but the alternator is charging fine over 13 volts the drawers slow it takes one day day and half to drain the battery to where it won't start. Checked all the connections, I did the negative side of the battery let everything reset alternator never got hot on the connections. I don't know if there's another fuse block somewhere or relays under there that could do the buzzing. I don't know can't seem to find out from any of the books.
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

The interior fuel box is under the left side, and I think you already know that. On the right side are the actuators for the HVAC. They are vacuum actuated. Is there any way you could record the sound so I could hear it?

Joe
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 5:46 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Sounds like a buzzer that's running low on batteries.
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

I guess a vacuum leak could make a buzzing noise. I hate to say it, but you are going to need to remove the trim under the dash and see if you can locate exactly what it is. There really isn't a lot there other than the HVAC components.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I don't see how it could be a vacuum leak does it sound like a balloon losing air ridiculous.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 1:49 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

I totally agree with you, but I have seen times that the diaphragm has ripped or shredded and they make crazy noises. Things will need taken apart to locate the source.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Everything works fine heater and ac changes settings like they are supposed to I guess ill have to find wire diagrams to see if there is a relay or something that has a constant power source, every one so far is to small-scale for viewing on my phone.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 11:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

I understand. I have wiring schematics, but the problem is it is broken down by components and not location. If you want a specific component, let me know. I can enlarge it for you.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, September 13th, 2019 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Okay.
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Friday, September 13th, 2019 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
It may seem odd, but I hate when I can't find an issue. Could the sound be coming from the other side of the firewall on the passenger side?

I just hung up the phone with a tech I know, and he can't think of anything under the dash on that side that would buzz on the passenger side.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
No that's the first thing I checked is exactly where it's coming from. It's above the AC and heater unit.
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Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

I just went through everything I could think of. The only thing I even question (because the pic is so vague) is the door lock relay or module. See pic 1. Based on the pic, I believe it to be on the inside right side of the dash. Pull the fuse for the door locks and see if it stops.

Also, and don't laugh, here is a list of components (text description) that I read through 2 times trying to find something located where you said. I found nothing. See if anything stands out to you.

_______________________________________

TEXT DESCRIPTION
COMPONENT. LOCATION
Air Bag Assembly. In steering wheel
Antilock Module (4WAL). LH front of cowl, on master brake cylinder
Antilock Module (4WAL). LH front of cowl, on master brake cylinder Battery
Audio Alarm Module Key-in Warning Buzzer. Behind LH side of I/P, on convenience center
Auxiliary Heater and A/C Blower Motor Assembly. Behind LH rear wheel well
Auxiliary Heater and A/C Control Switch. Center of I/P
Backup Lamp, LH. LH rear of vehicle
Backup Lamp, RH. RH rear of vehicle
Backup Light Switch. On steering column
Blower Motor. Engine compartment, RH side of cowl
Blower Motor Resistor. On blower motor housing
Blower Switch. Part of selector control
Brake Pressure Warning Lamp Switch. On brake master cylinder
Brake/Transmission/Shift/Interlock (BTSI). Relay Behind LH side of I/P
Brake/Transmission/Shift/Interlock (BTSI) Solenoid. On steering column
Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL). Center rear, above rear doors
Cigarette Lighter. Center of I/P
Convenience Center. Behind LH side of I/P
Cruise Control Module. Under LH side of I/P, RH side of steering column
Cruise Control Switch. At multi-function switch
D100. LH side of cowl
D101. LH side of cowl
D102. LH side of cowl
D103. Diode
D104. Near A/C compressor
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Module. Behind LH side of I/P, above fuse block
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Relay. Engine compartment, front plenum panel
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Relay. Engine compartment, front plenum panel
Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module. Behind LH side of I/P near kick panel
Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module. Behind LH side of I/P, near kick panel
Door Jamb Switch, LH Front. At LH A-pillar
Door Jamb Switch, RH Front. At RH A-pillar
Door Jamb Switch, Rear Door. Inside RH rear door
Door Jamb Switch, Rear Liftgate. At RH D-pillar
Door Jamb Switch, Sliding Door. In RH B-pillar
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. LH side of engine
Front Marker Lamp, LH. LH front of vehicle
Front Marker Lamp, RH. RH front of vehicle
Front Park/Turn Lamp, LH. LH front of vehicle
Front Park/Turn Lamp, RH. RH front of vehicle
Fuel Injector. Top of engine, inside of plenum
Fuel Pump Oil Pressure Switch. Top rear of engine
Fuel Sender Unit and Sensor. Inside of fuel tank
Fuse Block. LH side of I/P
Generator. Front of engine
HI A/C Blower Relay. On multi use bracket, at RH side of cowl
Hazard Flasher. Convenience center
Headlamp, LH. LH front of vehicle
Headlamp, RH. RH front of vehicle
Headlight Dimmer Switch. On LH side of steering column
Headlight Switch. LH side of I/P
Heated Oxygen Sensor. RH rear of engine, at exhaust manifold collector
Heater A/C Control Illumination Lamps. In heater A/C control assembly
Heater A/C Control Selector Switch. Center of I/P
Heater and A/C Control Assembly. Center of I/P
I/P Cluster. LH side of instrument panel
I/P Cluster Switches. LH side of instrument panel
I/P Compartment Box Switch/Lamp. Inside I/P compartment box
Idle Air Control Valve. Lower LH front of intake manifold
Ignition Coil. RH top side of steering column
Ignition Switch. On steering column
Instrument Cluster. On I/P, above steering column
Instrument Panel Dimmer Switch. On LH side of IP
Junction Block. Center of I/P
LH Window Motor. Inside LH front door
LH Window Switch. On LH door panel
License Lamp. RH rear door
Light Switch. Behind LH side of Instrument Panel
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor. LH side of plenum
Overhead Roof Console. On headlining, front center of vehicle
Override Switch, Dome Lamp. Center of I/P
Park Brake Warning Switch. At park brake pedal
Park/Neutral Position Switch. On lower steering column
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). RH plenum side panel
Power Mirror Motor, LH. Inside LH mirror housing
Power Mirror Motor, RH. Inside RH mirror housing
Power Seat Switch. LH side of driver's seat
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). RH plenum side panel
RH Window Motor. Inside RH front door
RH Window Switch. On RH door panel
Radio. Center of I/P
Rear Defogger Switch. On LH side of I/P
Rear Defogger Timer Relay. Behind LH side of I/P, near heater control
Rear Liftgate Release Switch. On LH side of I/P
Rear Washer Pump. In rear washer fluid reservoir
Rear Wiper Motor. In rear liftgate
Rear Wiper/Washer Switch. On LH side of I/P
Remote Keyless Entry. Under LH side of I/P, RH side of steering column
Safety Belt Warning Switch. In LH safety belt retractor
Side Marker Lamp, LH rear. LH rear of vehicle
Side Marker Lamp, RH rear. RH rear of vehicle
Speakers, Rear Door. In respective doors
Speakers, Rear, Upper. Behind rear quarter panels
Stepwell Lamp, LH Front Door. Lower front of LH B-pillar
Stepwell Lamp, RH Front Door. Lower front of RH B-pillar
Stepwell Lamp, Sliding Door. Lower rear RH B-pillar
Stoplamp Switch. On brake pedal support bracket
Sun Visor Vanity Mirror. On back of RH sun visor
Tail/Stop-Turn Lamp, LH. LH rear of vehicle
Tail/Stop-Turn Lamp, RH. RH rear of vehicle
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor. Top of plenum
Transmission Range Indicator Lamp. On back of instrument cluster
Transmission Range Indicator Lamp. On back of instrument cluster
Transmission Range Indicator Lamp Relay. LH side of I/P, near steering column
Turn Signal Flasher. LH side of steering column
Turn/Hazard Switch. LH side of steering column
Vehicle Speed Sensor Buffer. Behind I/P, on RH side of steering column
Vehicle Speed Sensor. LH rear of transmission
Wheel Sensors, Front. At front wheel hubs
Windshield Washer Pump. Above LH front wheelhouse, in washer reservoir
Windshield Wiper Motor (Front). Engine compartment, center of cowl

________________________________________

I'm trying. LOL

Let me know.
Joe
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Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 10:41 PM
Tiny
ROBERT GIFFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Where is that diagram located?
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 11:38 AM

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