Dash cluster remains powered key off engine off

RICH YOUNG

MEMBER
2003 FORD ESCAPE
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
141,000 MILES

Been chasing a battery drain. New battery. New alternator. Removed all the aftermarket radio stuff and double checked wiring. Dash cluster with miles and gear selector remains powered even with key out of car. Gem module? Or something else. Saw another post that said the gear selector isn't up all the way but seems to easy to be true.

Saturday, February 1st, 2020 AT 1:34 PM

2 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

Are all the lights on at the dash when you turn it off?

How did you determine it was the dash?

I would start by checking the actual current draw. I attached a guide for you to follow. Battery drain is from current, not voltage like most people think.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

50 to 75 milliamps is the normal draw. Verify the draw and then you can isolate the actual draw and the source.

Roy

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Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 AT 4:21 AM

BMDOUBLE

MECHANIC
1,139 POSTS

The ignition lock cylinder housing and switch are two common failure points on these vehicles and absolutely can and will cause a battery drain and will keep the cluster lit. The housing and the switch should be replaced as a pair.

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