Parasitic Draw help!
 

Hey Everyone.

98 ram 12v

drawing about 800mA

disconnect SCTM and it drops about 500mA

disconnect aftermarket sony single din radio and it drops another 150mA

the last 150mA can be dropped by pulling the headlight square/box fuse in the power distribution panel under the hood.

My question is this…
Is the sctm bad? It seems to be functioning… seats lock after 30min with door closed and unlock when open. (Although the seatbelt light IS on regardless if buckled)

I am assuming the radio needs to be replaced? Wiring is done correctly, I double checked 12v constant and 12v ignition…

lastly, any clue on the headlight circuit 150mA?
kind of at a loss on this one. Headlights, high beams and running/parking lights function correctly.

one odd thing i notice is the annoying “headlights on” chime/buzzer never goes off…

Take a close look at the headlight switch

Switch has been replaced.

Interestingly, my seatbelts never lock after the timeout.

Maybe check your trailer brake connector at the rear bumper. This can be a pain and sometimes backfeed to the headlight switch.

Also, make sure your glovebox light isn't staying on.....

Kurt

I pulled out all of those bulbs lol glovebox and ashtray…

I can check the trailer connection.. what am i looking for?

Corrosion at the connector. A short across the power supply line to one of the lights will let it back feed. I had a short once that with the left turn signal flashing, the trailer brakes engaged each time the light lit. With no trailer it wasn't an issue. Hooking a loaded trailer and the brakes locking will stop you quick.