Battery - Rundown Protection
Group Ref.: Chassis/Body ElectricalBulletin No.: 338115
Date: September, 1993
SUBJECT:
BATTERY RUNDOWN PROTECTION FEATURE TO EXTEND BATTERY LIFE
MODELS:
1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA
1993-94 BUICK SKYLARK
1993-94 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA
1993-94 PONTIAC GRAND AM
A battery rundown protection feature has been added to the above vehicles to extend the battery life of the vehicle. "Inadvertent" and "Parasitic" loads (modules or functions that drain current from the battery) are automatically turned off after predetermined time intervals.
Parasitic loads:
Loads that draw small amounts of current when the ignition is "Off", such as the radio and the remote keyless entry system.
Inadvertent loads:
Higher current loads that can be left on, such as the courtesy lights, glove compartment light, and luggage compartment light.
Battery rundown protection operates in two different modes:
1. Dealer/plant mode:
Battery rundown protection is in the "dealer/plant" mode when the vehicle has logged less than 15 miles since power up. For inadvertent loads, (light left on accidentally, door left ajar, etc.), battery power will turn off after three minutes. Inadvertent power functions will be restored by opening and closing a door, or by cycling the ignition switch. Also, if the vehicle is left untouched for three days, battery power will shut off, disabling parasitic load drains to the battery. At this point, all radio presets will be erased and the remote keyless entry function will not operate. Parasitic power functions will be reset by cycling the ignition.
2. Customer mode:
Battery rundown protection is in the "customer" mode when the vehicle has logged greater than 15 miles since power up. It operates in the same manner as described above, except that inadvertent power shuts off after 20 minutes and parasitic power shuts off after 24 days.