Battery Dying, but okay????

[Egan]

I bought my H2 used in June of 2012 and it had a brand new battery in it. In August of 2012 I had the stereo going while parked at our campsite. The key was moved forward to "run" and within 30 minutes the battery was dead. I got a jump and when we got back to civilization I went to the local AutoZone to buy a new battery. The guy tested mine and said there was nothing wrong.

Flash forward to last week. While at the gas station filling up I left the key in "run" so my bluetooth wouldn't disconnect. I pumped gas for maybe 10 minutes (24 gallons or so) and when I went to start the truck, it wouldn't turn over (still had accessories though). She started on the first try while being jumped by a Tacoma.

I was about to go buy another battery, but this just seems weird. The truck starts just fine every morning. She sat for 7 days while we were on vacation and started right back up - so why does it only take 10 minutes to kill the battery with the engine off?

Any ideas?

[jsbihn]

To me it sounds like there is a short somewhere
Possibly in the ignition system which is why when left on it drains the battery.

[Camou2]

Sounds like an aftermarket add on is draining the battery so I would check any of those units by disconnecting or removing the fuse. I would start with the Pioneer Blue Tooth unit that you have.

[Egan]

The bluetooth is built into my stereo and the stereo was on at the time.

Josh - the ignition system does sound like a likely source. Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting it?

[jsbihn]

I would back track the stereo.
The aftermarket stereo probably has a short in it some where
Since I am not sure how it is connected, I cant really give you a "culprit"

(ie. if it is a complete rewire, if they used a plug adapter for the stereo connect, and all that is added into all that. even with that info, there are still alot of wires that can be guilty)

You could get a wire tester and go through the grueling pain of testing each wire on the back side of the head unit.

[Egan]

Originally Posted by jsbihn

I would back track the stereo.
The aftermarket stereo probably has a short in it some where
Since I am not sure how it is connected, I cant really give you a "culprit"

(ie. if it is a complete rewire, if they used a plug adapter for the stereo connect, and all that is added into all that. even with that info, there are still alot of wires that can be guilty)

You could get a wire tester and go through the grueling pain of testing each wire on the back side of the head unit.

I seriously doubt it is the stereo draining the battery in less than 10 minutes. I wired this thing myself using the proper wiring harnesses and soldering any connections. I also tested them all before I slid the unit in. Of course it is an extremely tight fit in the back of the stereo and something could have gotten pinched. I'll pull it out and recheck everything to at least eliminate the stereo as the culprit.

[guruerror]

Originally Posted by Egan

I seriously doubt it is the stereo draining the battery in less than 10 minutes. I wired this thing myself using the proper wiring harnesses and soldering any connections. I also tested them all before I slid the unit in. Of course it is an extremely tight fit in the back of the stereo and something could have gotten pinched. I'll pull it out and recheck everything to at least eliminate the stereo as the culprit.

Just pull the fuse for the radio and then let the truck set for 10-15 minutes with the switch set to 'Run'...that should eliminate the radio without having to pull the dash apart again.

[jsbihn]

Egan,
I am not trying to doubt your ability.
I am sure as you know that over time thing rub and wear and crack.

Case in point, my sudden gas smell from my truck.

What I am saying is usually that is the big one with anything aftermarket.

As for Guru's comment, I am not am electrical wiz with these trucks, and not sure what all is wired to the stereo fuse and to other lines (ie. like the stereo wheel controls or whatever) but it does seems to make sense versus pulling out the head unit.

Given, the only thing that makes me wonder about any of these checks and fixes is that it is a gremlin. You stated in the OP that it does it intermittently, so who is to say that if you check the wires, fuses, head unit, and whatever that at that point it isnt acting correct.

[H2Much]

Radio most likely if it is aftermarket. If you read in the forums the H2 is notorious for hating aftermarket anything, especially radios and alarm systems. I along with many other have had the dying battery issue; most I have worked with contribute it to the databus relay system that allows you to connect the deck to the vehicle system. After having someone observe voltage draw for 3 days and working with many other electrical people on the issue, I finally just broke down and installed a solar panel to avoid the issue as nobody can seem to figure out how to fix it.

Actually, there is a way to fix it- put all of the stock stuff back in.

[jmudler]

Egan,

I have the same problem. Many years ago I was a car audio installer. One thing I noticed is the H2 pulls a lot of amps. Think how many 12v bulbs are lit with the ignition on and a door open. Add a very high amp pull during start up and we are hard on batteries. I found once I cycle a battery a couple of times it is pretty much shot.

As mentioned, I would pull the radio and amp fuses and see if it is killing the battery. If it doesn't, then I would look at replacing the battery.

Onstar is a know culprit too.