Although it may be possible for a device’s power draw to exacerbate existing battery conditions (i.e., an old battery or other after-market products causing draw), the device alone should not cause battery draw issues.
After a maximum of 30 minutes Ignition Off, fully updated devices typically see a range of 30-50mA draw.
– PNP = ~32mA
– GPSI-5000 = ~40-50mA
If you’re unsure if the device is drawing abnormally high amounts of power, the following steps will help you test draw:
All testing should be completed when the vehicle is in the open and the device has a clear line of sight to the sky. Ensure vehicle has been reporting properly prior to draw test.
- Remove the negative battery cable from its post, set your multi-meter to DC Amperage, and connect the multi-meter to complete the circuit (in series).
- Disconnect the GPS device from power by either removing the inline fuse on the red wire, unplugging the 20-pin Molex connector at the device, or by disconnecting the device from the OBD-II port (varies by device).
- Close all doors, and wait 30 minutes for the vehicle’s electrical system to stabilize.
- Reconnect the GPS device without waking up any of the onboard modules. If the dome light comes on, or a door is opened, you may have to wait another 30 minutes for the vehicle modules to fall back asleep.
- Confirm the device is connected to both GPS and Cellular networks; the green and amber LEDs should be on solid.
- Record the amperage on your multi-meter (reading #1).
- Without waking up any of the onboard modules, disconnect the GPS device from power by either removing the inline fuse on the red wire, by unplugging the 20-pin Molex connector at the device, or by disconnecting the device from the OBD-II port (varies by device).
- Record the amperage on your multi-meter (reading #2).
- Subtract Reading #2 from Reading #1 to obtain the number of milliamps the unit is drawing.
Connecting the multi-meter in series will complete the circuit giving the vehicle and GPS unit power again.
Failure to wait the full 30 minutes may result in a false reading, as various modules within the vehicle (DMC, ECM, ECU, ABS, etc.) will be “awake” and offset the test results.
If you have any questions, please contact Support.