1999 Jeep Laredo 5.5 amp power drain

1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
14,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
GODOFWAR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I replaced a shorted out battery a week ago. There have been intermittent electrical gremlins recently as well; the gas gauge will drop to zero, sound the alarm & then return to the correct position & the internal lights, dome, etc. would flicker off & on @ night.
This morning the battery was completely dead & I had a hard time starting w/ a jump. I took the Jeep in for testing & the starter & coil were fine but there was a 5.5 amp drain on the battery after turning everything off. Internal lights were on full time while driving. I'm wondering if the auto lights have a problem and/or if the after market remote start that was installed before I bought the vehicle might be the source of the problem.
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 3,711 POSTS
We can suggest many different causes and point you to many different areas to look at.

What you can do to narrow the search is.....

With a Test Light disconnect either the Positive or the Negative Battery Terminal. Connect the test light between the Battery Post and the Terminal on the Cable. It should light up since you have a draw. Then just start pulling fuses one at a time then pull relays checking the light each time when light goes out that will be the circuit that the draw is coming from.
Jul 1, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Avatar
GODOFWAR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
As it turns out, there's a sensor in the latch for the liftgate window glass that is dying. If the sensor doesn't show a fully closed window, the dome lights stay on & the rear wiper won't function.
Jul 5, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Advertisement