Help with finding abnormal high-current power draw in a 2001 Pontiac Grand

[Shostakovitch]

Greetings ladies and gentlemen,

Has this happened to you before? If so, what steps do you take to find the solution?

This is a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am 8th VIN # T SE1.

From what I gathered, the current draw is over 4amps. The procedure followed was connecting a test light meter to the battery. The light was on as all fuses and relays were removed one by one. The light stayed on even when the alternator was disconnected.

The only thing that has been newly installed is a new ignition switch. The connections for the switch have been tested with the light meter as well.

What is going on? There are no DTC codes. Prior to this issue, a relearn passlock procedure had to run in order to clear the Security light.

The battery has been ruled out from being included in the puzzle.

Thanks for your help.

 

[gmtechs]

u need a meter and have to do a parasitic drain test.

 

[planenut_2000]

A 4amp draw is large. Check the trunk and glove box lights.
Is the battery going dead on you overnight?

 

[Shostakovitch]

My apologies for not replying sooner.

I opened the glovebox container in order to check the wiring connection on the passenger side fusebox. Well, the glove box has been removed after removing much of the sticky mass that was holding it in. Near the top of the glove box container is a black wire that was pushed up against where the glove box goes.

The battery is only holding a charge for 3 hours when hooked up to the electrical system. I was wrong about the 4amp draw. It is not 4amps, but significant enough to drain the battery within three hours.

The charging system works properly.

u need a meter and have to do a parasitic drain test.

I don't understand why I need to perform this step if I already know there is a draw. I only say this because I don't know a lot about vehicle electrical systems. Can I skip this step?

______________________________

 

[planenut_2000]

Here's the problem with trying to help you. You don't really know what your actual amp draw is. It can be upto 25 milliamps and still be normal. You will only be able to tell what the actual draw is if you use a DMM and correctly perform the test.
Have you had the battery tested?
To do the test correct amp draw procedure- you'll need a DMM( digital multi meter) and battery disconnect device, such as-http://www.harborfreight.com/battery-disconnect-switch-97853.html
You will then unhook you neg battery cable and install that device in series. Then hook your DMM ,set up to check amps, across the 2 ends of the disconnect tool.
Then open the disconnect tool to allow all the amps to flow thru the DMM and thus giving you a reading. You will have to wait up to 15 min sometimes for all the control modules in the vehicle to power down. After that time period that amp reading is the one you should be concerned with.
Now you can start pulling fuses one at a time until the amp draw falls below 25 milli amps.
Don't open any car doors while that disconnect to is open for test or you'll blow your DMM fuse.