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2020 Pacifica - Battery Drains Overnight, No Obvious Cause

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David L. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:52 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Touring

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Touring. For the past few weeks, if I leave it parked overnight, the battery is completely dead by morning. I've had to jump-start it multiple times.

I've checked all the obvious things – no lights left on, doors are shut properly, and the infotainment system seems to power down. I even had the battery tested, and it came back good, though I replaced it just in case, and the problem persists. The alternator also seems to be charging fine when the engine is running.

Has anyone experienced a similar parasitic draw on their Pacifica or other Chrysler vehicles? What are the common culprits I should be looking for? I'm trying to avoid a costly diagnostic at the dealership if it's something I can troubleshoot myself.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:52 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A parasitic draw is a common and frustrating electrical issue where components continue to draw power from the battery even when the vehicle is turned off, leading to a dead battery. Here’s how to approach diagnosing and resolving it:

  1. Confirm Parasitic Draw:

    • Ensure the battery and charging system (alternator) are indeed healthy. You've already done this, which is a good start.
    • Perform a Multimeter Test:
      • With the vehicle off and all accessories disconnected, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
      • Set your multimeter to measure Amperes (A) and connect it in series between the negative battery post and the disconnected negative battery cable.
      • Wait at least 15-30 minutes for all vehicle modules to "sleep." A normal parasitic draw should be less than 50 milliamps (0.05A). Anything significantly higher indicates a problem.

  2. Isolate the Circuit:

    • While monitoring the multimeter, systematically pull one fuse at a time from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin).
    • Note when the current draw significantly drops. This indicates the circuit responsible for the draw.
    • Common culprits include:
      • Uconnect/Infotainment System: These modules can sometimes fail to power down correctly.
      • Body Control Module (BCM): A faulty BCM can cause various electrical glitches.
      • Glove Box/Trunk Lights: Ensure these are turning off when closed.
      • Aftermarket Accessories: Any non-factory installed electronics (dash cams, remote starters) are prime suspects.
      • Faulty Alternator Diode: A bad diode can allow current to flow back through the alternator, draining the battery.

  3. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

    • While parasitic draws don't always trigger specific OBD-II codes, a faulty module causing the draw might log a code. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored or pending codes, especially in modules related to the infotainment or body electronics.

When to See a Shop: If you've performed the multimeter test and isolated a high-draw circuit but can't pinpoint the exact component, or if the draw is intermittent and hard to reproduce, it's best to consult a professional automotive electrician or a Chrysler dealership. They have specialized diagnostic tools and wiring diagrams to trace complex electrical issues and can perform more in-depth module diagnostics. Ignoring a persistent parasitic draw can lead to premature battery failure and potential damage to other electrical components.

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