Battery - Revised Parasitic Load Test Power Down Time
File In Section: 8 - Chassis/Body ElectricalBulletin No.: 61-82-10
Date: December, 1996
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE
Subject:
Section 6D1 - Battery Parasitic Load Test - Revised Time for Vehicle
Power Down
Model:
1997 Cadillac Catera
The time it takes for a Catera to electrically power down after the key is switched off is incorrectly listed as 6 minutes in Step 11 of the Parasitic Load Test on page 6D1-3 of the Preliminary 1997 Catera Service Manual - Volume 2. The correct time is approximately 20 minutes.
After approximately 20 minutes, the car should have completed its electric power down sequence and the normal parasitic draw should be around 20 milli-amps or less. However, if the Electronic Climate Control system is in the "on" position when the key is switched off, then there will be an additional 40 milli-amp draw (i.e. total around 60 milli-amps) for two hours. This is because the ECC system stays awake and stores sensor values and calculations in the event the driver returns within a short period of time.
Remove the key from the ignition and wait until the vehicle has completed its power down sequence before beginning parasitic drain diagnosis. Also, turn the ECC system off before switching the key off to simplify diagnosis.